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The Secular or Saecular Games [1] (Ludi Saeculares) was an ancient Roman religious celebration involving sacrifices, theatrical performances, and public games (ludi). It was held irregularly in Rome for three days and nights to mark the ends of various eras ( saecula ) and to celebrate the beginning of the next. [ 2 ]
The Ludi Romani ("Roman Games"; see ludi) was a religious festival in ancient Rome held annually, starting in 366 BC, from September 12 to September 14. In the 1st century BC, an extra day was added in honor of the deified Julius Caesar on 4 September and extended to September 19.
Marble relief (2nd century AD) of Roman children playing ball games: the girl at the far right is tossing a ball in the air [1] The ancient Romans had a variety of toys and games. Children used toys such as tops, marbles, wooden swords, kites, [2] whips, seesaws, dolls, chariots, and swings. Gambling and betting were popular games in ancient Rome
By the 2nd century BC, Roman historians were using the saeculum to periodize their chronicles and track wars. [3] At the time of the reign of emperor Augustus, the Romans decided that a saeculum was 110 years. In 17 BC, Caesar Augustus organized Ludi saeculares ("saecular games") for the first time to celebrate the "fifth saeculum of Rome". [4]
Another irregular festival of note is the Secular Games. Over the course of several days there were sacrifices, entertainers, and games hosted by the state, attempting to be the greatest display anyone living had ever seen. These games were intended to be held every 100 years with the purpose of it occurring only once in any individuals lifetime.
Some scholars think that the Roman Dis pater ("Rich Father") is a Latin translation of the Greek Plouton and that his cult was established among the Romans with the celebration of the games in 249 BC. [10] Varro regarded the nocturnal theatrical performances that took place during the games as a seminal event in the history of Roman drama. [11]
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The music of ancient Rome was a part of Roman culture from the earliest of times. Songs were an integral part of almost every social occasion. [1] The Secular Ode of Horace, for instance, was commissioned by Augustus and performed by a mixed children's choir at the Secular Games in 17 BC.