This book offers a comprehensive assessment of the intersection between Roman politics, culture and divination in the late Republic. It discusses how the practice of divination changed at a time of great political and social change and explores the evidence for a critical reflection and debate on the limits of divination and prediction in the second and first centuries BC. Divination was a central feature in the workings of the Roman government and this book explores the ways in which it changed under the pressure of factors of socio-political complexity and disruption. It discusses the ways in which the problem of the prediction of the future is constructed in the literature of the period. Finally, it explores the impact that the emergence of the Augustan regime had on the place of divination in Rome and the role that divinatory themes had in shaping the ideology of the new regime.

'These author-focused studies not only enhance readers' appreciation of the role of prophetic events and discourse in Latin literature, they also inform understanding of traditional religious practices newly defined to serve Augustan religious and political ideologies. The bibliography constitutes a valuable research tool. Useful glossary; full indexes … Highly recommended. Upper-division undergraduates and above.'

P. B. Harvey, Jr Source: Choice

'… [this] book is highly recommended for scholars and students of Roman history and religion. … the overall thoughtful examination of the numerous historical reports and problems will provide essential reading for anyone trying to evaluate the role of divination in Rome in this period.'

Nancy T. de Grummond Source: Phoenix

'Federico Santangelo has written a wonderful book on a difficult, crucial subject that has never been discussed in such depth in the past … The excellent methodology and rich bibliography, accurate editing, and a reasonable price make this book well worth purchasing by historians of pre-Roman and Roman Italy.'

Daniele F. Maras Source: Bryn Mawr Classical Review

'Santangelo's book constitutes an important contribution to the growing body of literature on ancient divination. It will be of interest to a wide range of readers, and useful in charting many of the ways in which the practice of divination shaped and was shaped by the political and intellectual concerns of the last century of the Roman Republic.'

William E. Klingshirn Source: The Classical Journal