SACRED CHICKENS OF ROME: A Tale of Bravery, Treachery, and Poultry!

The Sacred Chickens of Rome by Nate Creekmore tells the story of these divine birds in illustrated form.

Follow the link to follow the story!

In a nutshell, the story of the sacred chickens is thus:

Publius Claudius Pulcher attacked the Carthaginian fleeting the harbor of Drepanum during the First Punic war and suffered a serious naval defeat.  This loss was believed to have been divine punishment for his sacrilege, going to battle against the divination of the priest and the sacred chickens on board.  The fact that the chickens refused to eat was seen as a sign that the battle would not go well for the Romans.  

Claudius, determined to go to battle, tossed the chickens into the sea, saying "Let them drink then!"

This story is often considered an odd little footnote in the history of Rome.  What about its place in the history of poultry?

If you're like Jarad, Morty, and myself, you've probably wondered:  But what about the chickens?  How did they feel?  How did they fare?  What high place in Poultry History do they occupy?

This magnificently drawn comic will answer your questions!  It is updated on Wednesday mornings.  Tune in with the rest of us!  Read it to your chickens!  

Thanks to Mr. Creekmore for remembering the real heroes of this story.  The Sacred Chickens.

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