The Robigalia, was instituted by Numa Pompilius during the eleventh year of his reign. This annual Roman festival was intended to conciliate Robigus, the god of blight, rust, and mildew. It started with a procession that left Rome by the Flamian gate, crossed the Milvian bridge, and proceeded to the fifth milestone on the Claudian Way where, in a sacred grove, the priest (flamen Quirenalis) made sacrifices of a rust-colored dog and a sheep along with incense and wine. At some point foot races for men and boys were added to this agricultural festival.