BAS-RELIEFS WITH BULLS LEADING TO SACRIFICE

 You can admire two fragmentary bas-reliefs that originally belong to a large limestone base, an integral part of the sacred area that stood between the I e. and I e. century AD in the locality of Casale Santucci (in the present hamlet of Casali di Mentana). The two bas-reliefs give a true photograph of an ancient and solemn pump (procession) in which parade bulls adorned with dorsualia (gualdrappe on the back) and vittae (bandages attached to the horns), guided by vicmarii (sacrificial) towards their destiny, the offering of their blood in honor of the gods.  

 The monument has two parts: in the centre there is a corner fragment with on the front a qualified servant and a barded bull, and in the right angle the rear part of a bull; On the left, the second fragment with a representation of a young bull also decorated.  

 The three animals, turned in opposite directions, were perhaps to converge towards a central point, unfortunately lost; they are represented in larger dimensions than the real one in order to give greater importance to the animal, precious gift for the gods, and a minor at the concierge.  

 The angular fragment still has four cluster holes in its upper part: on the left-hand edge one of rectangular shape, with traces of lead, was intended to connect it to the following bas-relief block, of which we have no trace, while the other three, which occupy the centre and right margin of the fragment, were probably to support some object, on the nature of which we have no indication.  

The large plinth of the Santucci farm also includes a third fragment found in 1866 and currently on display in the octagonal courtyard of the Vatican Museums, following the sale of the piece by Pietro Santucci, owner of the vineyard, on 11 November of that year; You can read the account of his discovery in a document from the State Central Archives.  

 1866 ancient objects found in Casali in the land of Pietro Santucci: has been found a marble bas-relief depicting a bull led to sacrifice by the priest, who may be a duke or emperor, with laurel front; the bas-relief is high of 4 palms and wide of 3. It was also found a fragment of ancient corniche and some square blocks of travertine. (Archives Centrales du Ministère des Travaux Publics, b 405).