In ancient Greece and Rome, even the most trivial everyday events were sometimes linked with superstition and sorcery. For example, this relief sculpture bears a Latin inscription warning against littering or desecrating a certain place. It reads: "She (hekate) will show mercy to those who do not litter or relieve themselves in this area. But anyone who acts recklessly and engages in such actions should expect consequences." To emphasize the threat, Hekate is depicted holding snakes and knives in her six hands. hekate was the goddess of crossroads, who also presided over magic.