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In the Roman world public spectacles were collectively known as ludi, a term which could have various meanings. During the Republican period, public games were held on the religious holidays which were marked on the calendar and from which the ludi took their name (Ludi Apollinares, Ludi Cereales, Ludi Florales etc.), as well as during funerals and victory celebrations. In the Imperial age, celebrations in honour of emperors were added, such as the Augustales or Augustalia in honour of Augustus. The religious character of the ludi was never abandoned and was expressed in the cult ceremonies and procedures which accompanied their opening and closing. |
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