In most of the city-states of Greece and Italy the primary function of the kings was the performance of the communal or national sacrifices.

Through this act they obtained political power as representing the common life of the people, and its performance was sometimes left to them after their political power had been taken away.

[218] After the expulsion of the kings from Rome the duty of performing the city sacrifices devolved on the consuls.

In India also the kings performed sacrifices.

When a king desired to be paramount over his neighbours he sent a horse to march through their territories.