Dead Dogs and Rattles

Abstract

Abstract This chapter explores the nature of the Latin religious experience from the 8th to the 6th century BC by referencing the Robigalia and the dynamically changing social structures. The Latin site Osteria dell’Osa, particularly the annual celebration of the Robigalia festival in Rome, provides evidence of how the ancient agricultural practice evolved through the years. Colin Renfrew proposed a framework based on Middle Range Theory to reduce the misinterpretation of cult sites and to postulate certain universal truths about religion and ritual. The chapter then presents an experiential understanding of religion to explore the changes indicated by archaeological evidence in ritual symbolism and practice. It also covers the nature of the society where rituals are conducted.