Sacrificing dogs in the late Roman World? A case study of a multiple dog burial from Viminacium amphitheatre

Abstract

Animal sacrifice in the Roman world was considered to be a form of communication with the divine sphere. Such rituals were performed to thank Gods, heroes and other divine beings, and ask them for favours, protection, and good health. The most commonly sacrificed animals were cattle, sheep, goats, and pigs, with the occasional addition of other species such as dogs. Since dogs were often connected to the underworld, their sacrifice was usually related to chthonic gods. Considered impure, dogs are thought to have been sacrificed as means of purification and rites of passage, as foundation offerings for the protection of buildings, as well as within agricultural rituals. On the other hand, they could also have been sacrificed in order to serve as faithful companions and guardians in the afterlife – traits taken from their everyday roles in human life.