A collection of prophetic Greek verses consulted by appointed custodians during exceptional crises.
Overview
The Sibylline Books were kept under state control and consulted when prodigies or disasters seemed to require unusual religious remedies.
Why It Matters
Their recommendations could lead to new rituals, imported cults, or public acts of expiation, showing Rome’s capacity to adapt religious practice in response to crisis.
In Roman Practice
The original collection was destroyed in the fire of 83 BC and later reconstructed from verses gathered elsewhere.