haruspices

Haruspices were ancient Roman and Etruscan priests who practiced divination by examining the entrails of sacrificed animals, often focusing on the liver. They believed that the shape, markings, and appearance of the internal organs could reveal insights about future events or the will of the gods. This practice, known as hepatoscopy, was a part of religious rituals and was used to guide decisions on important matters like wars, political actions, or treaties. While it may seem mystical today, haruspices played a significant role in ancient religious and political life, serving as a bridge between the divine and human worlds.