Megjegyzések a Cerealia alapításának körülményeihez

Absztrakt

The Cerealia was one of the most significant spring festivals of the Romans, symbolizing the rebirth of nature. On this occasion, a rather peculiar ritual was performed: foxes with burning torches fastened to their tails were released to run across the arena of the Circus Maximus. In the present study, however, our focus is not on this extraordinary sacrificial act, but rather on the founder of the festival itself and the circumstances and social dimensions of its foundation. Particular attention will be devoted to the war against Carthage and to the social tensions prevailing at the time of the festival’s establishment, which justified the institution of a celebration dedicated to a plebeian deity. In this regard, it is essential to examine certain aspects of the plebeian–patrician conflict, as well as the position of the homines novi within Roman society.