ABSTRACT
Several of the prohibitions placed on pilgrims had a religious motivation. These included dietary restrictions, sexual abstinence, and the general need for ritual purity on the part of the worshipper, and they were an important part of the cult ritual in which pilgrims were involved at sacred sites. Other regulations and restrictions were of a non-religious nature, and included important prescriptions determining the way in which pilgrims were expected to behave at the sanctuary. These regulations were frequently inscribed on stone where they could be seen by the worshippers. There were various rules at sacred sites concerning matters such as the accommodation of pilgrims, the parking of vehicles, the lighting of fires, the use of water and bathing facilities, the pasturing of herds, and the need for honest dealing at markets where the pilgrims bought their necessities. In the athletic sphere regulations covered bribery and cheating, and laid down rules for contests and competitors.
