Dog sacrifices in Ancient Rome

[guy]

 

A well-preserved dog was found beneath a Roman stone foundation in Velzeke, Belgium. Although it is uncommon to discover such well-preserved bone from the Roman period in the local soil conditions, this dog was buried under a stone structure, shielding it from the elements.

 

The 3,200-square-foot site where the remains were discovered:

 

There is some suggestion that the dog was part of a ritual sacrifice.

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What’s also interesting is the connection to a building,” Verbrugge said. “The dog was buried beneath a significant structure, and we probably have to consider this a kind of building sacrifice. We know from historical sources that dogs sometimes played a role in certain religious or ritual practices. They were meant to provide a kind of purification or cleansing — for example, during the construction of a new building or in certain healing rituals.”

The Romans mostly looked at dogs as respected and protective animals. However, the sacrifice of dogs did occur in several Roman rituals and festivals:

As mentioned in the article, the annual ritual of Supplicia Canum involved sacrificing dogs:

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The Supplicia Canum, or "Punishment of the Dogs," was an annual ritual in ancient Roman religion. It involved hanging live dogs on a fork-like structure (furca) or cross (crux) and parading them through the streets. This ritual commemorated the failure of watchdogs to alert the Romans during the Gallic siege of Rome in 390 BCE, while geese were honored for raising the alarm. Geese were adorned in gold and purple and carried in a litter as part of the procession.
The ritual, believed to have taken place on August 32, served as a symbolic warning to dogs not to neglect their duties. It also highlighted the cultural significance of animals in Roman society, where geese were associated with the goddess Juno and dogs were sometimes linked to magical and protective powers.

Other festivals that involved sacrificing dogs were Robigalia and Lupercalia:

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The Robigalia was an ancient Roman agricultural festival held annually on April 25. It was dedicated to Robigus, the deity who protected crops from diseases like wheat rust. The festival aimed to ensure a healthy harvest and included rituals such as a procession to the fields and the sacrifice of a red dog or sheep. These offerings were believed to appease Robigus and prevent crop blight.

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In the Roman festival of Lupercalia, held annually on February 15, dogs played a significant role in the sacrificial rituals. The festival served as a purification and fertility rite overseen by priests known as Luperci. It commenced with the sacrifice of goats and a dog at the Lupercal, the legendary cave where Romulus and Remus were said to have been suckled by a she-wolf.

The blood from the sacrifices was smeared on the foreheads of two young men, who were then required to laugh as part of the ritual. Subsequently, the Luperci used thongs made from the skins of the sacrificed animals to strike women, as it was believed to enhance fertility.

 

 

 

Archaeologists discover well-preserved Roman dog in Belgium - The Jerusalem Post

 

Ancient Roman Dog Unearthed Shockingly Intact In Belgium

 

Here is an article from 1921, "The Dog as a Sacred Animal in Italy."

 

A. M. Franklin: The Lupercalia • Chapter 8

 

Here is a pet dog that a family cherished (photo from the Getty Villa):

 

Edited Wednesday at 02:04 PM by guy