12 aristocratic young men were co-opted as members of the priesthood of the Salii. They were dressed in ancient outfits worn by ancient warriors, outlandish even to people in the day of Cicero. These outfits consisted of an embroidered tunic, a breastplate, a short red cloak, a sword, and a very pointy helmet. They were charged with the bronze ancilia, the sacred shields that had fallen down form heaven. These shields somewhat resemble a figure-8, like Mycenaean shields. One of the shields had fallen from heaven, and the blacksmith was ordered to make 11 copies.

They played the pivotal role in the Festival of the Salii, during which they sang the Carmen Saliare.