Spirited Enterprise

Augurs were ancient Roman aristocrats who took on the roll as seers for the Roman government. 

Their attire was very strict. They wore white robes with scarlet stripes and a purple border (known as trabea). They carried a lituus which is a staff that is free from knots and bent at the top. 

Originally there were just 3 Augurs but by the time Julius Caesar was in office, there were 16.

The advice of the augurs was sought out for decisions on all important matters.

They interpreted signs from the sky - thunder, lightning and falling stars were the most common.

They interpreted the actions of birds - their sudden appearance or disappearance, their singing, feeding patterns and the patterns and directions of birds in flight.

They also used the same types of interpretations for animals.

They cast lots, interpretaed the entrails of animals and kept an eye on all things unusual.

The augur's presence was so important within Roman society that they were treated like, if not better than Royalty.