Which group typically consisted of freed men serving in religious roles in ancient Rome?

The Augustales were a specific religious group in ancient Rome, primarily made up of freedmen who were dedicated to the worship of the imperial cult and other deities. Their role was significant because they took on the responsibility of public religious events, which included the organization of festivities and sacrifices in honor of the emperors or the gods. This group played a crucial part in the social and religious framework of urban life in Roman cities, particularly in Pompeii and Herculaneum.

Freedmen in this context often gained respect and social standing through their association with state-sponsored religious activities, which were seen as beneficial for the community and often aided in their efforts to secure favorable treatment from the governance structures of the time. The Augustales thus served not only a religious function but also helped to bridge the gap between social classes, as they were often able to rise from the status of slaves to being influential community members through their roles in this group.

The other options do not fit the description of a religious group made up of freedmen. Scriptores refers generally to writers or scriveners and lacks the religious connotation. Prosopography is a method of studying individuals in a collective context, not a group or role. Plebs humilis refers to the