Crucifying Dogs While the Geese Watch

 

August 3rd in ancient Rome was an annual sacrifice (Supplicia canum) in which, the Romans would truss up a live dog spread-eagle on a cross and carry it through the streets as warning to other dogs not to fall asleep on guard duty.

Watching the spectacle were geese who sat upon purple and gold pillows.

The origin of this bizarre custom was because the Gauls attacked Rome in 390 BCE, it was the geese who raised an alarm while the guard dogs all slept.

Dog sacrifices were also carried out in Rome for the Robigalia, a spring festival aimed at warding off crop diseases.