Theapex (plural:apices) was a cap worn by certain priests (theflamines andSalii) inancient Rome.
The essential part of the apex, to which alone the name properly belonged, was a pointed piece of olive-wood called diminutively anapicula, the base of which was surrounded with a lock of wool. This was worn on the top of the head, and was held there either by fillets only, or, as was more commonly the case, was also fastened by means of two strings or bands,[1][need quotation to verify] oroffendices,[1] though the latter word is also interpreted to mean a kind of button, by which the strings were fastened under the chin.[2]
The flamines were forbidden by law to go into public - or even into the open air - without the apex,[3] and hence we find the expression ofalicui apicem dialem imponere used as equivalent to the appointment of aFlamen Dialis.[4] Sulpicius was deprived of the priesthood, only because the apex fell from his head whilst he was sacrificing.[5]
Dionysius of Halicarnassus[6] describes the cap as being of a conical form. On ancient monuments it can appear round or conical.
Thealbogalerus, oralbus galerus was a white cap worn by theflamen dialis, made of the skin of a white victim sacrificed to Jupiter, and had the apex fastened to it by means of an olive-twig.[7]
From the wordapex was formed the epithetapicatus, applied to theflamen dialis byOvid.[8]
This article incorporates text from a publication now in thepublic domain: Peck, Harry Thurston (1898)."Apex". InPeck, Harry Thurston (ed.).Harpers Dictionary of Classical Antiquities. New York: Harper & Brothers.
