Augur, << AW guhr, >> was the title given to priests in ancient Rome who interpreted signs, such as thunder and lightning, the flight and cries of birds, and the movement of serpents and mice. Romans believed that the gods revealed their wishes through these signs. Augurs did not predict the future. Instead, they read the signs to see if the gods approved of human actions. Augurs wore a trabea (white garment with a purple border).
Roman officials sought the advice of augurs before beginning elections, wars, and other important public activities. The officials might delay or cancel great ventures if the augurs reported unfavorable signs. Because augurs controlled the doctrine and practice of interpreting signs, they had great power in Roman politics.
Early Rome had three augurs, all from the patrician (aristocratic) class. By the late Roman Republic, the priesthood had 16 members, both patricians and plebeians (commoners).
