Consecrated Ground

Across Roman territory, consecrated ground was space dedicated to a religious purpose and given over to worship, prayer and often sacrifice. In fact, the Latin word 'templum' actually refers not to a building but to a sacred outdoor space, where a religious structure might be constructed. Maintaining good relations with the gods was an essential part of everyday life for people who had a different god watching over them for every given circumstance. There were shrines in every home and community, and consecrated grounds such as springs, groves and temples were found everywhere. Up to a third of the official Roman year was dedicated to celebrating religious festivals, so shrines were well-used spaces. They were considered so important that to desecrate such places was a sacrilege punishable by death.