Relating to the fetiales, priests in ancient Rome who conducted diplomatic ceremonies and declared war or peace.
From Latin fetialis, derived from fetiales (the order of priests). The word comes from fetus or fas (right, law), relating to the divine law governing relations between states.
The fetial priests of Rome were essentially the ancient world's diplomats and lawyers combined—they performed elaborate rituals before Rome declared war or made treaties. It's fascinating that we have a word for this specific role from such a distant civilization, preserved through the Latin language.
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