Lustration Rituals in Ancient Rome and Cosmogonic Myth

Sa？etak 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 a？vamedha and reconstructed Slavic mythical texts are also included. Significant elements include animal sacrifice, the leading of animals in a circle and ritual dances