Romans and Robigalia (approximately 300 B. C.)
Grain crops were being devasted by rusts. The people attributed the plant
diseases and control to God. They created a special rust god, Robigo, who
was resposible for and able to protect the people from the rust disease. A
celebration, Robigalia, was held in the spring (just before the rust appeared)
for Robigo. The Robigalia is a festival dedicated to Robigus, the numen of
wheat rust which could be appeased to avert this calamity. A dog was sacrificed
on this day to accomplish this appeasement. Robigus could be alternately a
male or female deity. Footraces were held on this day to honor the deity -
separate races for both men and for boys. During this celebration sacrifices
of red sheep and dogs were offered in an attempt to please Robigo and insure
rust free crops.
