The images of the gods were perhaps exhibited either on frames or on sacred vehicles.

Numerous victims were sacrificed; and at Babylon it was customary to burn on the great altar in the precinct of Bel a thousand talents' weight of frankincense.

The priests no doubt wore their most splendid dresses; the multitude was in holiday costume; the city was given up to merry-making.

Everywhere banquets were held.

In the palace the king entertained his lords; in private houses there was dancing and revelling.