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Arusplces

Cyclopedia of Biblical, Theological and Ecclesiastical Literature

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(Lat. ab aris 'inspiciendis, from inspecting the altars), soothsayers or diviners among the ancient Romans. They are supposed to have come originally from Etruria to Rome; and their chief duty was understood to be that of ascertaining the will of the gods from the appearance which the entrails of animals exhibited when offered in sacrifice upon the altars. But they were not limited to this mode of exercising their art; they were expected to examine all kinds of prodigies. (See DIVINATION).