Ara

This is an altar on which we offer sacrifices or, more simply, we light votive fires. Usually there is one in front of, or halfway through, the staircase of each temple, because public sacrifices are performed there, not inside the temple. Many altars, however, are free-standing, not linked to a sacred building.
An ara is always based on the square, as it's built to be a material version of the templum. It's oriented on the cardinal axes, and its mane facade is south. Many arae are shaped differently, for example like a parallelepiped, but the area on which the sacrifices or offerings are made is always square. The ara is usually made of decorated marble, but in the countryside they can also be made of wood or stone. The upper part is concave, to more safely house the fire or the sacrificial elements. At teh sides of the cavity there are two small drains to allow the libation liquids (wine, milk, consecrated water, or blood) to flow. Some arae are destined to only receive offers such as flowers, small objects, or sweets, and look more like small columns or decorated cippi. Some are dedicated ex voto by people who thank one or more gods for granting them a favor.

Type

Room, Religious, Pulpit