Books
Phase
Roman Festivals and Public Entertainment
27 BCE–300 CE
The Roman calendar included public rites, theatrical performances, races and games funded by magistrates or emperors. Festivals altered normal work, traffic and legal routines.
Events such as the Cerealia and Saturnalia brought crowds into streets and venues, creating opportunities for commerce, political display and crime. Theatre could include violent mythological spectacle.
The Ides of April, A Comedy of Terrors and Desperate Undertaking use festival organisation and public performance as integral parts of their mysteries.
