Supplicia canum

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Ancient Roman festival involving the sacrifice of dogs

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Official name
Also called
Observed by	Ancient Rome
Liturgical color
Type	Ancient Roman religion
Significance
Celebrations
Observances
Begins

Supplicia canum was an ancient Roman festival held annually on August 3. The name translates to "punishment of the dogs," and the festival involved the ritual sacrifice of dogs.

Historical Context

The Supplicia canum was part of the broader Roman religious practices. It was one of the many Roman festivals that were observed throughout the year. The festival was dedicated to appeasing the gods and ensuring the well-being of the Roman state.

Rituals and Practices

During the Supplicia canum, dogs were paraded through the streets and then sacrificed. The exact reasons for this ritual are not entirely clear, but it is believed to be connected to the mythological and superstitious beliefs of the time. Some scholars suggest that the festival was meant to atone for the dogs' failure to alert the city during the Gallic siege of Rome in 390 BCE.

Significance

The Supplicia canum highlights the complex and often harsh nature of Ancient Roman religion. It reflects the importance of ritual and sacrifice in maintaining the favor of the gods. The festival also underscores the role of animals in Roman religious practices, where they were often seen as intermediaries between humans and the divine.

Related Festivals

The Supplicia canum is one of several Roman festivals that involved animal sacrifice. Other related festivals include the Lupercalia, which involved the sacrifice of goats and dogs, and the Robigalia, which involved the sacrifice of a dog to protect crops from disease.

Legacy

While the Supplicia canum is no longer observed, it remains a point of interest for historians studying Ancient Rome. The festival provides insight into the religious and cultural practices of the time, as well as the societal attitudes towards animals.

See Also

• Ancient Roman religion
• Roman festivals
• Animal sacrifice in ancient Rome
• Gallic siege of Rome