Roman Festivals Flashcards
What was the Lupercalia in honour of and who?
Derived from a festival of purification and fertility in honour of the God Lupercus and also honoured Rome’s founder Romulus taking place annually on the 15th of February
Who were the Officials of the Lupercalia?
The Luperci chosen especially for the day from the noble male population
What happened at the beginning of the Lupercalia?
The priests gathered in the Lupercal (a cave in Palatine hill believed to be the place where Romulus and Remus were suckled by a she wolf)
What happened when the Luperci were in the Luperca?
The Luperci were divided into two teams and underwent a sacrifice in honour of the God then the teams took part in a race around the foot of the Palatine Hill
What happened in the sacrifice in the Lupercalia?
The Luperci had to sacrifice goats and dogs to Lupercus as these animals were known for their virginity and suited a sacrifice to the God of Fertility. The animals were sprinkled in moles salsa for acceptance then their throats were slit and blood was dripped onto the participants head
What would happen after the animal was killed?
If the entrails were positive checked by the haruspex, the participants would eat the sacrificial meant and drink large amounts of wine
What happened during the race?
It was a public part of the festival and involved participants running around the foot of the Palatine Hill as they were whipped by spectators with leather strips to grant fertility
Who was the Saturnalia in honour of and what did it celebrate?
The Roman God Saturn and it celebrated the end of winter sowing as Saturn was the God of Sowing, the coming of new light and a hope of a return to the Golden age.
When did the Saturnalia take place?
17th to 23rd of December
What were the important events of the month December depicted on a calendar?
A mask, a table with dice and a dice tower, birds hanging from a hook, a torch and unidentified heart shapes
Who were the officials of the Saturnalia?
The priests of the Temple of Saturn provided religious officials for the 6 days
What do we know happened on the first day?
All business was suspended and the period was declared a national holiday leaving the whole of the city to be free to take part in the festivities
What was the difference in the sacrifice in the saturnalia and normal Roman sacrifice?
The priest took part
What was another unique experience of the Saturnalia?
The festival promoted equality which meant slaves and masters were equal for its duration
