TO: Cultural Lesson - Roman Triumphs

Image: a model showing the procession from a Roman triumph. This one includes prominent citizens.

Roman Triumphs

The Roman Triumph (triumphus) was a large scale military celebration following a significant victory in a foreign battle. The triumph was an important civil rally, but was also a religious ceremony. During the Roman Republic (the time before the Emperors controlled Rome), the Roman Senate was the body responsible for sanctioning (allowing) a triumph. During the Roman Empire, triumphs became symbols of imperial authority, but also became less common as there were fewer reasons to celebrate a general other than the emperor. The image depicts a triumphal procession with notable senators and dignitaries marching in the triumph.

To the Victor...

Image: another model showing the procession from a Roman triumph. This one includes plundered goods.

The general celebrating his triumph would earn the title Vir Triumphalis. Eventually, this became the title Triumphator. He would wear a laurel crown and a purple and gold bordered toga, called the Toga Picta. His appearance hearkened back to the kinds of early Rome. To maintain some semblance of humility, a slave would travel with the general, whispering memento mori, which is literally translated a memory of death. This was a regular reminder of the general's mortality.

The triumph itself was an ornate show: a parade of chariots, soldiers, captives and slaves, and the spoils of war. Foreign generals, kings or dignitaries would be put on display in chains or in cages, as a form of public humiliation and a celebration of Roman dominance. Any wealth brought back: gold, chariots, fantastic weapons, etc. would be prominently displayed, then offered to the god Jupiter at his Capitoline temple. The image depicts a triumphal procession with various spoils on display.

Image: a suspect card showing Augustus. The text reads: ambitious emperor.

A Triple Triumph

Augustus celebrated a triple triumph after his victory over Antony and Cleopatra and the conquest of Egypt. From August 13-15, 29 BCE, Augustus celebrated his conquest, but also indicated, with such a lavish celebration, that his rule was only beginning. Two of Cleopatra's children with Marc Antony were present: the twins, Cleopatra Selene and Alexander Helios (named after the moon - Selene and sun - Helios). They were paraded before the whole city of Rome as spoils of war.

Triumph images courtesy of Vroma Links to an external site..