institution
the Magi
the magi
also: magi, magos, magorum
The Persian priestly caste, held wise and learned, who practised augury and divination and interpreted royal dreams; no one could be king of Persia without first taking in their discipline (De Divinatione 1.46, 1.90-91).
Reading notes
- On Divination §1.46 what the magi interpreted
The magi were the priestly caste of Persia, regarded by the Greeks as masters of dream-interpretation and astral lore. Cicero says no Persian could be king without first learning their discipline.
- On the Ends of Good and Evil §5.87 the Magi of the Persians
The Magi were the priestly caste of Persia, reputed masters of religious and astronomical lore. Pythagoras is said to have visited them in his quest for wisdom.
- Tusculan Disputations §1.108 It is the custom of the Magi not to bury the bodies of their own people unless they have first been mangled by wild beasts
The Persian Magi (Zoroastrian priests) and their practice of exposing corpses to be devoured before disposal (cf. the Tower of Silence). Cicero adduces such varied national customs to show how indifferent burial really is to the dead.