in Antiquity, the rod or sceptre borne by Hermes or Mercury, as the ensign of his quality and office. This rod was entwisted by two serpents, and generally surmounted with a pair of wings. The rod represents power; the serpents, wisdom; and the wings, diligence and activity. Wonderful properties were ascribed to the caduceus by the poets; as laying persons asleep, raising the dead, and such like marvels. See Mercury.

The staff or mace carried by heralds and ambassadors in time of war was called caduceus (in Greek καδούκευς or καδούκειος). It was originally an olive branch, the twigs of which came afterwards to be represented as serpents. Later mythologists invented various tales about these serpents. The ambassador sent to treat of peace was called caduceator, from the caduceus or mace which he carried in his hand. The Roman Fetiales, however, on such occasions, did not use the caduceus, but carried the sacred herbs gathered from within the inclosure of the Capitoline hill. The caduceus is frequently represented on medals, &c., as a symbol of good conduct, peace, and prosperity.