On this point M.Fustel de Coulanges leaves us in no doubt at all.

The bond of union among all these bodies was a common sacrifice or sacrificial meal, at which all the members had to be present.

"The principal ceremony of the religion of the household was a meal, which was called a sacrifice.

To eat a meal prepared on an altar was, according to all appearance, the first form of religious worship." [196] "The principal ceremony of the religion of the city was also a public feast; it had to be partaken of communally by all the citizens in honour of the tutelary deities.

The custom of holding these public feasts was universal in Greece; and it was believed that the safety of the city depended on their accomplishment." [197] M.de Coulanges quotes from the _Odyssey_ an account of one of these sacred feasts at which nine long tables were set out for the people of Pylos; five hundred citizens were seated and nine bulls were slaughtered for each table.