Religion And The City : Roman Sacrifices Flashcards
What were Roman sacrifices similar to
Greek sacrifices as they preferred blood sacrifices
How important was the procedure of the sacrifice
It was so important that if something went wrong the process was restarted
Who led a small sacrifices
A private citizen
Who led state sacrifices
A Pontifex
What was the participants need to ensure
They were clean and well-dressed so that the sacrifices were not polluted
What would a priest use his toga for
To veil his head
What was the Suovetaurillia
Where was one of the most common sacrifices in Rome. It consisted of a pig, sheep and ox. It was used when purifying something such new lands or buildings
What happened during the first stage of the preparation
The animal was prepared by either gilding its horns or tying ribbons to his tails
What happened during the second stage of the preparation
The animal was lead to the altar it would be a good omen if it went willingly. Flute players would join the procession. If the animal was scared it would pollute the sacrifice
What was the first stage of the kill
The priest would sprinkle mola salsa on the animals head and then wine to cause the animal to agree to the ritual
What was the second stage of the kill 
A priest would say a prayer, offering the animals to the gods
A pops would stun the animal with a blow to the head
A cultrarius would slit the throat
How was the sacrifice shared
The meat would be shared according to the hierarchy:
1) the god
2) the priests
3) the senate
4) other elite citizens
5) wider community
Who would read the entrails
The Haruspex
What did the sharing of meat symbolise
It stressed the communal spirit and benefit of sacrifice as meat was not commonplace in the Roman diet
