Bidental

In ancient Roman religion, a bidental was a sacred shrine erected on the spot where lightning had struck.

Any remains and scorched earth at the spot were to be burned in a hole at the location by priests called "bidentales".

Any person killed by the bolt was to be buried in the earth where the lightning hit, as opposed to traditional cremation.

In order to further consecrate the site, the officiant would sacrifice a two-year-old sheep (called a bidens).

Considered sacred space, a bidental was not to be touched, trod upon, or even looked at after completion.

A Bacchic Roman puteal ("wellhead") of the Neo-Attic style, inspired by Hellenistic art. Relief shows figures a Bacchic procession: a drunk Hercules (in centre) wears the skin of the Nemean lion and carries his olivewood club.