{"id":9430,"date":"2023-11-25T03:00:59","date_gmt":"2023-11-25T02:00:59","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.learnancientrome.com\/?p=9430"},"modified":"2023-11-25T03:00:59","modified_gmt":"2023-11-25T02:00:59","slug":"what-was-ovilava-in-ancient-rome","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.learnancientrome.com\/what-was-ovilava-in-ancient-rome\/","title":{"rendered":"What Was Ovilava In Ancient Rome"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Ovilava in Ancient Rome<\/h2>\n

The term Ovilava is not one commonly heard in scholastic circles today. However, to the Ancient Romans, this term had a significant meaning. Ovilava was the practice of offering sacrifices to the gods in early Roman religion. The origin of the practice dates back to an era in which Ancient Roman gods and goddesses were worshipped. It remains an integral part of Roman religious customs throughout the ages.<\/p>\n

The term Ovilava comes from the Latin root “ovilla” meaning “temple” and “ovillae” meaning “altars”. Ovilava was an important part of the Roman ritual to honour the gods. It would take place at a festival, such as the Saturnalia or the Lupercalia. During these festivals, large altars would be built to honour the gods and goddesses, such as Juno, Saturn, Mercury and Vesta. Priests would sprinkle the altar with herbs and phials containing sacrificial blood as a sign of homage to the gods.<\/p>\n

It was also believed by Ancient Roman polytheists that Ovilava offered the gods protection. It was thought that the sacrifices were powerful enough to appease the gods and protect the Romans from disease and evil. The practice was also seen as a form of thanksgiving to the gods for all their blessings. As a result, the Romans would celebrate with large feasts and parties, followed by meaningful ceremonies and offerings.<\/p>\n

Today, the idea of sacrificing to gods may appear strange to many. However, experts have speculated that the Romans may have seen it as a way of connecting with the deities and ensuring the continued prosperity of their community. The altars and rituals of Ovilava offered a way to communicate with the gods and provide them with offerings to show that the Romans were devoted to them.<\/p>\n