Bible Encyclopedias
Vates

Cyclopedia of Biblical, Theological and Ecclesiastical Literature

is a term used among the ancient Romans with the double signification of poet and prophet, the two being regarded as identical. By a law of Constantils in the Theodosian Code, they were reckoned among those who practice forbidden arts, such as soothsayers, astrologers, augurs, and magicians, and were condemned to die as guilty of a capital crime and offence against religion. See Bingham, Christ. Antiq. bk. 16 ch. 5.

Bibliography Information
McClintock, John. Strong, James. Entry for 'Vates'. Cyclopedia of Biblical, Theological and Ecclesiastical Literature. https://www.studylight.org/​encyclopedias/​eng/​tce/​v/vates.html. Harper & Brothers. New York. 1870.