fetiales (or feciales)

Ancient Roman college of 20 priests. The fetiales held office for life and were responsible for rituals relating to the declaration of war and for procedures performed when peace treaties were concluded.

When a state was considered to have acted in a hostile manner towards Rome, two members of the college were sent to make a formal demand for compensation. If the redress they demanded was not forthcoming within 30 days, the fetiales reported back to Rome, and if war was declared they crossed into the enemy's territory and threw a twin-pointed javelin.

Later, to avoid long journeys when war was declared on more distant enemies, the javelin was thrown into a patch of land adjoining a column (columna bellica) erected in Rome which represented hostile territory.