Summary\n: This paper analyzes the miniature on f. 33v of Vergilius Vaticanus that accompanies the passage of Verg. Aen. IV 60–61 (Dido sacrificing). It shows that the artist of Vergilius Vaticanus misunderstands the text. He does not know the initial stage of the sacrifice which is called exploratio by Servius and presented by Vergil in Aen. IV 60–61. In depicting sacrifice, the artist follows the visual tradition which is extensively represented on Roman reliefs, and actually neglects the text. This can prove that the initial stage of sacrifice (exploratio) was out of use in IV AD.

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