The Babylonians and Etruscans (early Romans) were famous for this form of divination. A highly trained priest called a "bara," (haruspex -Roman) literally a "seer inspector," was in charge of the vital function. Hepatoscopy was often practiced in special temples where the priests would purify themselves and dress in special attire before divination. Every army regiment had a bara with it to perform a Haruspication before battle. Private citizens would also seek a bara to determine the gods' will in their personal lives.
Examination of the liver was divided into section with each area representing a particular diety. Any markings found in these zones were of great importance. Of particular importance was a triangular protuberance called in modern medical terminology, the processus pyramidalus. If it was large, this was a favorable omen, while a small or disfigured processus pyramidalus was an ill omen. Ancient Sumerians developed over 6,000 different signs and patterns for reading the liver. Hundreds of clay models of sheep livers have been uncovered which were used for priestly training in Babylon and which date back 4,000 years. More have been found in the ruins of the Hittite civilization and date back approximately 2,500 years. The Hittites not only used sheep livers, but also partridge livers.
Hepatoscopy or Haruspication is divination using the entrails of animals, specifically the liver of a sacrificial animal such as a sheep. In ancient times, the liver was regarded as the focal point of life.