The Performance of Mortal Surrenders at Praeneste Open Access

Abstract

This thesis investigates the Sanctuary of Fortuna Primigenia, located in Praeneste (modern-day Palestrina), an Italian town south of Rome. This ancient temple complex, famed for its mythical lot oracle and innovative architecture, drew untold numbers of pilgrims. Its oracular ritual involved the randomization of sacralized oaken lots, known as the Sortes Praenestinae. To examine the wider narrative built up around these lots, as well as the religious experiences of consulting them, this thesis considers the fortune-telling ritual in the context of sacred travel. The evidence for this study incorporates ancient literature, archeological evidence, and anthropological analysis. Drawing upon archeological evidence and scholarly precedent, the thesis reconstructs the embodied experience of travelers to Praeneste. The chapters examine lot divination, landscape, and theatrical architecture, respectively; manufactured atmospheres and sacred landscape contributed to the impact of each. The thesis aims to refresh perspectives on the temple through the lens of pilgrimage studies, adding a consideration of its emotional effects. The awe-inspiring phenomena further encouraged ritual participation. At Praeneste, sortilege, pilgrimage, and procession through the temple complex all constituted various opportunities to cede individual responsibility; people were meant to suspend habitual senses and fully immerse themselves in the journey. Theatrical gaps defined an ancient experience of travel to the sanctuary, as people performed mortal surrenders to the goddess Fortuna.

Table of Contents

Introduction-- 1

Chapter I. The Lots of Fortuna: Sortilege & Surrender-- 10

Chapter II. Pilgrimage to Praeneste: Surrender as a Sacred Journey-- 32

Chapter III. Framing the Lots: The Theater-Temple of Fortuna-- 56

Conclusion-- 66

Bibliography-- 71

About this Honors Thesis

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School	Emory College
Department	Classics
Degree	B.A.
Submission	Honors Thesis
Language	English
Research Field	Religion, History of Anthropology, Archaeology Classical Studies
Keyword	Divination Architecture Ancient Rome Praeneste Sortition Theatricality Pilgrimage
Committee Chair / Thesis Advisor	Sandra Blakely, Emory University
Committee Members	Emil' Keme, Emory University Celia Campbell, Emory University Eric Reinders, Emory University

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