rites, storage rooms and guard rooms. Courtyards sometimes contained favissae for discarding cultic objects and refuse pits. Foundation deposits, usually jars filled with bronze, silver, or gold statues, and other precious objects were occasionally buried under sacred buildings to consecrate their construction or other significant events. Courtyards were used for animal sacrifice, for burnt offerings, and for other rites including the sharing of sacral meals. Additionally, they provided the venue