ABSTRACT
The ancient use of blood as a stabilizer for earthen architecture most likely arose due to the spiritual or symbolic significance placed on these materials, with earth acting as a prima materia and the blood infusing the earth with life. “In the belief that Mithras’ slaying of the bull brought life to the earth, bull’s blood became a symbol of the sap of life with a power to protect houses (of clay) from the attack of Ahriman, the evil power” (Winkler 1956 p.157).
