The Salii were Roman priests of Mars. They consisted of twelve aristocratic young men, dressed in ancient outfits worn by ancient warriors, outlandish even to people in the day of Cicero. These outfits consisted of an embroidered tunic, a breastplate, a short red cloak, a sword, and a very pointy helmet. They were charged with the 12 bronze ancilia shields. These shields resembled a figure-of-eight, like Mycenaean shields. One of the shields was said to have fallen from heaven in the reign of King Numa Pompilius, and eleven copies were made.

They played a pivotal role in the Festival of the Salii, during which they sang the Carmen Saliare. Their duty, and the song's function, was to keep Rome safe in battle. During the principate, Augustus' name was inserted into the song.

Ancient Roman religion

Salier (Religion) | Salii