In chapter 4, Rives discusses how Roman religion fostered a sense of group identity and established social hierarchies through various forms of community life. One of the selections from Warrior that best encapsulates this relationship between religion, identity, and community is an excerpt from the historian Livy.  When Rome was afflicted by a major plague, it was the Senate who decided to consult the Sibylline Books and the priestly officials (duumvirs) who instituted the ritual of lectisternium. He notes that the ritual was not only observed by the priests, but additionally that “The ritual was also celebrated in private houses. Throughout the city doors were left open an food of all kind was set out for consumption. Everyone alike, as we are told, both known and unknown, was invited in and hospitably entertained.” (Warrior 8). Here we see a specific ritual designed to unify all the inhabitants of the city.  Everyone’s participation had a direct impact on the pax deorum and the health of the state, and thus only a unified effort could possibly hope to make an impact on the gods to win their favor.  What’s more, this story demonstrates how the powers of the State and those of higher positions were tied directly to Roman religious practice.  This in turn implies the social hierarchy that existed on a state level, where the private masses had to follow the public practices established by officials and elites.