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Optimized Bone Sampling Protocols for the Retrieval of Ancient DNA from Archaeological Remains

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The Romans and ritual murder.

Celia E Schultz¹

¹Yale University.

Journal of the American Academy of Religion. American Academy of Religion

|August 24, 2010

Summary

This summary is machine-generated.

Ancient Romans practiced ritual murder, but only live interment of Gauls and Greeks was considered true human sacrifice. Other ritual killings, like Vestal Virgins, were not viewed as offerings, making them acceptable.

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Area of Science:

Classical Studies
Ancient History
Religious Studies

Background:

Ancient Roman sources often express an abhorrence of human sacrifice.
This contrasts with evidence of rites involving human death during the Roman Republic (509-44 BCE).

Observation:

Literary sources discuss ritual murder, particularly its practice by foreign peoples and internal subversive groups.
The study examines specific forms of ritual murder performed by Romans themselves.

Findings:

Romans explicitly identified only the live interment of Gauls and Greeks as human sacrifice—an offering of life to the gods.
The burial of unchaste Vestal Virgins and the drowning of hermaphroditic children were not considered sacrifice by Roman opinion.

Implications:

This distinction in terminology allowed Romans to accept and rationalize the disposal of Vestal Virgins and hermaphrodites.
Understanding Roman views on sacrifice provides insight into their social control and religious practices.