At the Baths of Diocletian we find, among other works of art, a marble bust depicting Lucius Verus (emperor who ruled, for some years, together with Marcus Aurelius in the second half of the II century a.D.), carved in the guise of an Arvale. But who were the Arvali? First of all let me confirm you something: how even an "ordinary" ancient roman artifact it is possible to explore a new world made of culture and traditions. Have you ever been at the Baths of Diocletian here in Rome? If not this marble bust will be another reason why you should be here. And when a local tour guide suggest you something you should trust him.

We start from the assumption that in Rome, since its foundation, there were various priestly schools, and so a number of groups of worship (a kind of associations) which were dedicated to a specific religious functions. The Arvali, in particular, were the followers of the Goddess Ceres, goddess of the harvest, of grain and of agriculture in general. Originally those priests were dedicated to the worship of the Goddess Dia, the archaic version, if we may say in this way, of the later Ceres. According to the tradition this college of priests was based by Romulus or, more probably, by the second king of Rome, Numa Pompilius. He was, in fact, the man who gave special life to priestly groups which often dedicated the whole life at the service of a deity. The second king of Rome was considered a sort of magician/sorcerer, and among other things founded the cult of the Vestal Virgins.

The Arvali, however, were twelve priests chosen among the richest families. It was a great honor and, as a consequence, social recognition, which raised families chosen up to the upper echelons of the roman nobility. Twelve priests, as the twelve months of the year (starting from the reform of the calendar, drawn up precisely from Numa Pompilius). Among the rites that took place, there was one that is useful in the sanctification of the arva (the fields to work in an agricultural way): in this special rite the Arvali roamed around the field, singing songs and telling various litanies. Moreover, according to a tradition gave by Pliny the Elder's words, the first Arvale of the history would have been, for the Romulus' will, the twelve Faustolo's children. Faustolo was the shepherd who found Romulus and Remus still infants, taking care about them and raising them for the whole youth, according to the myth .

Also in this case, therefore, we can understand the close contact and relationship that there was between the Arvali and the earth, which was of course a continuous sustenance had to give to the Romans. In this marble bust, the emperor Lucio Vero wanted to definitely associate his figure to the theme of the abundance of nature, and then the rebirth of it and of Rome itself. Moreover he wanted to portray himself as the repository of ancient knowledge and religious cults, which were based on the culture of the roman world. Good for us that we have the opportunity, here at the Diocletian's Baths, to see masterpieces like this one. Another reason why you should visit this museum located in the ancient halls and rooms of the giant baths would by the emperor Diocletian. Another wonder of Rome...