Review article

Lustration Rituals in Ancient Rome and Cosmogonic Myth

Nada Bulić orcid.org/0000-0002-7759-1756 ; University of Zadar, Department of Classical Philology
Maria Mariola Glavan orcid.org/0000-0002-8321-050X ; University of Zadar, Department of Classical Philology

Abstract

Lustration rituals in Rome have long been considered
rituals of purification. In this paper the authors
argue that lustration rituals may be considered foundational
rites in which elements of the Indo-European
cosmogonic myth is re-enacted. Several types
of lustration rituals will be examined using textual
evidence found in the works of ancient authors, the most important of which is the Suovetaurilia. Comparisons
to the Vedic aśvamedha and reconstructed
Slavic mythical texts are also included. Significant
elements include animal sacrifice, the leading of animals
in a circle and ritual dances.

Keywords

Suovetaurilia; lustration; aśvamedha; animal sacrifice; cosmogonic myth

Hrčak ID:

234762

URI

https://hrcak.srce.hr/234762

Publication date:

31.12.2019.

Article data in other languages: croatian

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