Who were the priests responsible for guarding and consulting the Sibylline Books?

The correct answer is B, as the Quindecemviri were the specific group of priests in ancient Rome tasked with guarding and consulting the Sibylline Books. These sacred texts, believed to contain prophecies vital for the well-being of the state, were stored in the Temple of Apollo. The Quindecemviri, comprising fifteen members, played a crucial role during times of crisis, consulting these texts to determine appropriate actions or rituals that needed to be performed to appease the gods and secure the city's fortune.

Understanding the significance of the Sibylline Books within Roman culture highlights the authority and responsibility that the Quindecemviri held, as their interpretations of these texts could influence public policy and religious practices. The other groups mentioned, while important in their own right, did not have the specific responsibility regarding the Sibylline Books: the Vestal Virgins were mainly responsible for maintaining the sacred fire of Vesta, the Fetiales were involved in matters of war and diplomacy, and the Augures focused on interpreting the will of the gods through bird omens.