The Ancient Roman Festival of Saturnalia: Jolliest of Roman Festivals

6 days left

Invest in History Education

By supporting our charity World History Foundation, you're investing in the future of history education. Your donation helps us empower the next generation with the knowledge and skills they need to understand the world around them. Help us start the new year ready to publish more reliable historical information, free for everyone.
$3654 / $10000

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!

Remove Ads
Advertisement

Cite This Work

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. 25 Dec 2024.

Membership