Exta

/ˈɛkstə/ noun

Definition

In Roman practice, the entrails or internal organs of a sacrificed animal, examined for divining the will of the gods.

Etymology

From Latin exta (entrails, viscera). This was a key term in Roman religious practice, referring to the organs inspected by haruspices during augury and sacrifice.

Kelly Says

Roman generals wouldn't go into battle without examining the exta of sacrificed animals—they genuinely believed reading entrails could predict victory or defeat, which is why haruspices were so powerful.

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