Extispicy
Divination from the organs of a sacrificed animal, practised by specialist priests in ancient Mesopotamia.
Also: Babylonian omens, baru, clay liver models, entrail reading
Extispicy is the reading of animal organs, and Mesopotamian priests called baru developed it into a detailed science. The animal, usually a sheep, was offered to the gods, and the priest then examined the liver, lungs and intestines for marks, colours and shapes. Question and answer were recorded on clay tablets, and clay models of livers were made to teach students the signs. Kings from Assyria and Babylonia asked the diviners before campaigns and building works. The tradition left its mark on Hittite, Elamite and, through Etruscan contacts, Italian practice. It is among the best documented systems of ancient divination, which makes it useful to historians of early science, record-keeping and law.