The ritual procession in honour of the
chthonic deities
began on the first terrace, behind Porta V. Worshippers would meet in the reception and meeting halls, of which significant archaeological traces were found, and with offerings began their visits to the temples.
Thanks to an inscription found on a vase fragment, it is possible to establish that one temple was dedicated to Kore (Persephone), daughter of Demeter.
Right outside
Porta V
, with their backs to the city walls, there were various workshops owned by Akragantine potters who made small
terracotta statuettes
; this way, worshippers could purchase
ex-votos
directly nearby the Sanctuary.
Between singing and the scent of incense, the procession then moved to the second terrace of the Sanctuary.
The sacrificial victims
, often chosen from goats or sheep, were dressed with garlands and ribbons and led in procession to the place of the sacrifice.
The procession consisted of a young girl, who was given the task of carrying the knife, the priests and priestesses who made the sacrifice, and the flute players whose instruments marked the rhythm of the march. Once in front of the altar, the victim was sprayed with water and sacrificed.
Its meat was then cooked and divided between the worshippers.
Singing and dancing, the procession continued on to the terrace of the Donari: here, ex-votos such as vases, oil lamps and terracotta statuettes were offered to the goddesses then placed inside holes dug into the ground.
