Illustrated Companion to the Latin Dictionary/Bidental

Illustrated Companion to the Latin Dictionary, and Greek Lexicon (Rich, 1849)

BIDEN'TAL. A small temple or shrine, consecrated by the augurs, and enclosing an altar erected upon any spot which had been struck with lightning (puteal); so called because it was customary to sacrifice a sheep of two years' old (bidens) at such places. (Festus s. v. Hor. A. P. 471. Apul. Deo Socr. p. 677.) The illustration (Bidental/1.1) affords a view of the remains of a bidental at Pompeii. The altar is seen in the centre, and parts of the columns which enclosed it are standing in their places; the roof and superstructure may be easily imagined.

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  Bidental/1.1