In the Roman mind PD meant the state of 'peace' between the populus Romanus and their gods or described their 'gracious obligingness' [1. 20-22]. In the area of state religion it was the task of the sacerdotes populi Romani (Priests) and the magistrates to see to the continuation of this state by means of the correct execution and preservation of the prescribed cult activities and ordinances (such as the Vestals' requirement of chastity).
The PD could be destroyed at any time by errors in ritual, carelessness or transgression against divine legal norms…