On This Day in Ancient History Ludi Romani

The Ludi Romani ('Roman Games') ran from September 5-13. Also called the Ludi Magni ('the Great Games'), they were held to honor Jupiter Optimus Maximus ('Jupiter Best and Greatest') whose temple, according to H.H. Scullard, was dedicated on September 13, 509 B.C. The Ludi Romani provided ludi circenses and ludi scaenici, which means there were chariot races, gladiatorial contests, and animal hunts, as well as theatrical productions.

• Ludi Romani
• Circus Maximus
• Gladiators and Games
• Praetors
• This Day in Ancient History - September 5