The bronze Altar of Sacrifice stood in the outer court and was used by the priests for animal sacrifices and burnt offerings. Five types of sacrifices were offered on the altar, four being animal sacrifices and the fifth an offering of grain or cereal. Each type of sacrifice was offered in a unique way. For animal sacrifices, in general, an Israelite would bring their animal to the north side of the altar, place their hands on the head of the animal, and then slit the throat of the animal as the priest caught the blood in a dish. The priest would then, depending on the type of sacrifice, dab the blood onto the horns of the altar, and pour out or splash the blood against the sides of the altar. Only for the burnt offering was the entire animal burned. For the other four types of sacrifices, a portion of the offering was eaten by the priests or by the family who brought the sacrifice.