AGONALES, in antiquity, an epithet given to the Salii, consecrated by Numa Pompilius to the god Mars surnamed Gradivus. See SALII. They were also called Quirinales and Palatini. See QUIRINALES and PALATINI. Rufinus calls them Agonenses Salii.
AGONALIA, or Agona, in antiquity, feasts celebrated by the Romans, in honor of Janus; or, as some will have it, in honor of the god Agonus, whom the Romans used to invoke upon their undertaking any business of importance. See FEAST. Authors vary as to the etymology of this solemnity; some derive it from Mount Agon, afterwards Mons Quirinalis, whereon it was held. Others suppose it taken from that ceremony in the feast, where the priest holding the naked knife, and ready to strike the victim, which was a ram, asked, Agone? Shall I do it? This is Ovid's opinion. Fast. L. Lv. 319. See SACRIFICE.
AGONISTICI, in antiquity, a name given by Donatus to those of his sect, whom he sent into the neighboring places, fairs, markets, etc., to preach his doctrine; for which reason they were also called Circuitores, Cercelliones, Carpites, Coropites, and at Rome, Montenses. They were called agonistici, from the Greek agon, combat; in regard they were sent as it were to fight and subdue the people to their opinions.
AGONOCLITA, or Agonoclites, in antiquity, a sect in the 7th century; whose distinguishing principle was never to kneel, but to deliver all their prayers standing. See GENUFLEXION. The word is compounded of the privative particle a, gonu, knee, and klino, I bend.
AGONOTHETA, Agonothetes, in antiquity, a magistrate chose among the Greeks, to preside and have the superintendency of their sacred games, or combats; to defray the expenses thereof, and adjudge the prizes to the conquerors. See GAME, COMBAT, etc. The word is compounded of agon, combat, sacred sport; and thesis, he who disposes, appoints, ordains. Among the Romans, the like officer was denominated Athlotheta. See ATHLOTHETA.