The Saturnalia

• What God did was it dedicated to?

  Saturn
• What was Saturn the God of?

  Sowing, the seed, liberty, time
• What was Saturn believed to have done?

  Ruled the earth during the golden age when both men and gods lived together as equals
• When did the festival start?

  The winter solstice (23 December)
• How long was the festival?

  5 days
• Who celebrated the festival?

  Everyone including slaves, women and children
• What did it celebrate?

  The end of winter sowing, the coming of new light, rebirth, promise of a positive future
• Who shortened the days of the festival and who changed it back?

  Shortened to three by Augustus, brought back to five by Claudius
• Who were the officials?

  The Priests from the Temple of Saturn
• How long were the officials elected for?

  a year
• Who was the feast paid by?

  The state
• What happened in the sacrifice and feast?

  Priest undertook sacrifice with head uncovered. Hugely expensive, lasted several days.
• What would sit at the banquet table at the feast?

  A statue of Saturn
• Who would be seen as equal?

  Everyone-masters and slaves included
• What would the men wear?

  Remove their togas and wore the pileus
• What was an expected thing to do?

  Give everyone gifts
• How did people greet each other?

  Io Saturnalia!
• Penates

  Household Gods
• Why was the Saturnalia important to the Romans?

  Lengthy public holiday

  Honoured the Gods

  Involved huge feast-fed the poor

  Gave slaves a period of freedom

  Present giving

  Reminded them of Golden Ages

  Pleasure-gambling and games