The Ancient Roman Festival of Saturnalia: Jolliest of Roman Festivals

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Video

Kelly Macquire
by Ancient History Encyclopedia
published on 15 December 2020

The Ancient Roman Festival of Saturnalia began as a one-day festival in honor of the Roman god Saturn, but by the late Republic, it spanned over an entire week. The Saturnalia consisted of feasting, drinking, games and general merriment. The strict social order of Roman society was not only loosened, but partially reversed with the slaves given more freedoms during this time, and their masters often wore the felt hat (pilleus) of the freed slave. The Saturnalia was the jolliest of all Roman festivals, and it was customary for everyone to greet each other with a hearty 'Io Saturnalia!

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APA Style

Encyclopedia, A. H. (2020, December 15). The Ancient Roman Festival of Saturnalia: Jolliest of Roman Festivals. World History Encyclopedia. Retrieved from https://www.worldhistory.org/video/2206/the-ancient-roman-festival-of-saturnalia-jolliest/

Chicago Style

Encyclopedia, Ancient History. "The Ancient Roman Festival of Saturnalia: Jolliest of Roman Festivals." World History Encyclopedia. Last modified December 15, 2020. https://www.worldhistory.org/video/2206/the-ancient-roman-festival-of-saturnalia-jolliest/.

MLA Style

Encyclopedia, Ancient History. "The Ancient Roman Festival of Saturnalia: Jolliest of Roman Festivals." World History Encyclopedia. World History Encyclopedia, 15 Dec 2020. Web. 26 Jul 2024.

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