[German version]

In the context of Roman divination, the prodigium was the second important category of signs along with the auspicia ( augures ). (Natural) events perceived as extraordinary were considered to be prodigia (or also portenta, ostenta); they were unprovoked signs that were not linked with the actions of magistrates from the point of view of time. The prodigium could concern individuals but during the Republic it was mainly referred to the community through Senate recognition (prodigium publicum, 'state prodigium'). A prodigium had negative import - the word rare…