[1] It was one of the most ancient festivals celebrated by the Roman state and is supposed to have predated the founding of Rome — in historical terms, to have dated to a pre-urban pastoral age.
[2] The rite was a reaffirmation of the alliance among members of the Latin League, and a truce was honored throughout the festival.
Each Latin city sent a representative and offerings such as sheep, cheese, or other pastoral products.
The presiding Roman consul offered a libation of milk, and conducted the sacrifice of a pure white heifer that had never been yoked.
If the consuls had to be absent (if, for instance, they were waging war), a dictator was appointed to oversee the festival.