Sacrifice in Greek and Roman Religion

Roman period sacrifice was a daily practice based on a fully developed system. Many sacrifices were performed in public, sometimes on behalf of the entire area, with unblemished offerings (Ferguson, Backgrounds, 189). This often involved a communal meal; the gods’ portions were burned first to emphasize their superiority (deSilva, Honor, 252–53). Three main reasons for sacrifice existed in this period: “to give honor, to make a return for benefits received or receive benefits, and to avert evil” (Ferguson, Backgrounds, 188). Libations—drinks poured out on the god’s behalf—frequently accompanied sacrifices (Ferguson, Backgrounds, 190). The presence of the god was sometimes represented by an image or statue. However, these depictions were a matter of honor, not viewing the god as a fellowship guest—the participants were seen as lower than the god in question, as attested by sentiments such as “I give in order that you give to me” and “the higher quality of the sacrifice, the better” (Ferguson, Backgrounds, 190–92). Cultic centers throughout the empire were required to make sacrificial offerings on behalf of the emperor as a sign of loyalty.