{"id":2253,"date":"2023-03-12T04:19:56","date_gmt":"2023-03-12T03:19:56","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.learnancientrome.com\/?p=2253"},"modified":"2023-03-12T04:19:56","modified_gmt":"2023-03-12T03:19:56","slug":"how-did-the-ancient-romans-cast-lots","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.learnancientrome.com\/how-did-the-ancient-romans-cast-lots\/","title":{"rendered":"How did the ancient romans cast lots?"},"content":{"rendered":"

The ancient Romans used a method of divination called Sortes. This was a form of divination where a person would use a book, usually a work of literature, and randomly open it to a page and interpret the words on that page as an answer to their question. Sometimes, instead of a book, people would use a deck of cards or dice. <\/p>\n

The act of Sortes was thought to be inspired by the gods and was used as a way to make important decisions. It was often used to decide things like whether to go to war or where to build a new temple. <\/p>\n

There are many stories of famous people who consulted the Sortes, including Julius Caesar and Augustus. Some believe that even the Bible includes a story of Sortes, when Saul is looking for guidance and randomly opens the Book of Isaiah.<\/p>\n

There is no one answer to this question as the ancient Romans used a variety of methods for casting lots. Some common methods included using dice or coins, or drawing straws.<\/p>\n

What was casting lots? <\/h2>\n