Hecatomb was an ancient sacrifice of a hundred oxen, particularly observed by the Lacedaemonians when they possessed a hundred cities. The sacrifice was subsequently reduced to twenty-three oxen and goats and lambs were substituted. Research Hecatomb
In ancient Greece a hecatomb was literally a sacrifice of a hundred oxen, but the term is applied generally to the sacrifice of any large number. It was necessary that the victims should be without blemish. Only parts such as the thighs, legs, or hide were burned, the rest furnishing the festive meal at the close of the sacrifice. Research Hecatomb
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Abbreviations
Research Hecatomb
