This book explores how festivals of Rome were celebrated in the Greek East and their transformations in the Christian world.

Ancient Rome is renowned for its distinctive calendar and frequent festivals dedicated to various Gods; classical scholar W. Warde Fowler discusses each event, and its role in Roman religious and cultural life. The modern, twelve-month calendar was built upon the foundations set by the Romans. Several of the months retain the names invented in Roman antiquity, and the meaning of several months in the context of seasonal weather and yearly holidays remain. While timekeeping has evolved to better suit the revolutions of the Earth, the framework established by the ancient Romans remains. Appended at the conclusion of the preface are charts of Rome's calendar, showing the individual days and events. Taking us through the Roman year, Fowler demonstrates how ancient Rome placed great significance upon their Gods. Festivals were of enormous importance in community life; gatherings and celebrations enforced the beliefs in the Roman Gods and cemented aspects of its traditions and culture. How traces of these ancient traditions endured through later periods of history is discussed. Additionally, the author mentions how in times of crisis Rome's festivals would host a return to primitive rituals as the fearful citizenry sought to ward off misfortune and ill-omens through animal sacrifice and other archaic rites.

Greek and Roman Festivals addresses the multi-faceted and complex nature of Greco-Roman festivals and analyses the connections that existed between them, as religious and social phenomena, and the historical dynamics that shaped them. It contains twelve articles which form an interdisciplinary perspective of classical scholarship on the topic.

This Elibron Classics title is a reprint of the original edition published by Macmillan and Co., 1908, London

Ancient Roman Holidays is a remarkable book that explores the ancient seasons and religious observance practices of the ancient Romans. Mab Borden's meticulous research paints a vivid picture of the interconnectedness between mankind and the Gods. This book is invaluable for those interested in the religious traditions of ancient Rome. Ancient Roman Holidays invite readers to embark on a captivating journey into the enchanting realm of sacred days, months, and seasons, unearthing the profound significance of these ancient observances. Immersed in meticulously detailed accounts, as each sacred day unfurls, this book reveals the venerated deities and the intricacies of the accompanying social and ceremonial practices. Within the pages of Ancient Roman Holidays, the reader will discover comprehensive explanations of the ancient Roman calendar, forging a deep understanding of the interplay between celestial rhythms and religious rituals. The appendices provide a treasure trove of knowledge, mapping deity holidays to their corresponding months. This added layer of insight offers a panoramic view of the intricate spiritual tapestry that was interwoven throughout ancient Roman society. The reader will embark on a mesmerizing expedition through festivals dedicated to revered Gods and Goddesses such as Jupiter, Minerva, and Bacchus, delving into the wisdom encapsulated within the rites, ceremonies, and beliefs that molded ancient Roman spirituality. The reader will be transported to a world where every day bores a sacred connection to the divine. Witness the solemnity of religious processions and partake in the jubilant revelries of harvest festivals, as the ancient Roman holidays spring to life in vivid detail. These ancient traditions allow the reader to introspect upon their own spiritual practices, finding resonance in the timeless wisdom of the past. Inviting the reader to rediscover the exquisite beauty of these spiritual observances, Ancient Roman Holidays unveil the secrets and traditions that shaped the Roman calendar. The immersive journey through the vibrant tapestry of ancient Roman spirituality will invite the reader to renew their appreciation for the sacred rhythms that once resonated throughout the lives of these remarkable people.