A more thorough explanation:

Definition: Feciales is another term for Fetiales, which refers to a group of priests in ancient Rome who were responsible for conducting diplomatic relations and declaring war. Fecial law, also known as Fetial law, was a set of rules and rituals that governed these activities.

Example: The feciales were called upon to negotiate treaties and settle disputes with other nations. They would perform a ceremony involving the sacrifice of a pig to the gods and the recitation of a formulaic declaration of war or peace.

Explanation: The example illustrates how the feciales were responsible for conducting diplomatic relations and declaring war in ancient Rome. The ceremony they performed was an important part of their role in negotiating treaties and settling disputes with other nations.

Additional Example: Fecial law was based on the principle of jus fetiale, which held that a declaration of war could only be made after certain conditions were met, such as a demand for reparations being refused.

Explanation: This example shows how fecial law governed the process of declaring war in ancient Rome. The principle of jus fetiale ensured that war was not entered into lightly and that certain conditions had to be met before it could be declared.