Stone didn't bring success

The laying of foundation stones is rooted in ritual sacrifices to ensure the success of building projects.

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Historic Formakin House, near Houston

In the Near East, it was once the custom to sacrifice animals - and even humans - to the gods as goodwill offerings which guaranteed the future prosperity of public edifices and their community roles.

The ritual murder of Hiram Abiff - architect of King Solomon's Temple in Jerusalem - by assailants using sacred building tools like the plumb rule, measuring level and maul just as the holy place was nearing completion is one notable example.

Today the sacrifices are symbolic.