On This Day in Ancient History - Time for the Roman Games

© CC Flickr User Ancient Art

The Ludi Romani ('Roman Games') ran from September 5-13.

Circus Maximus
© Clipart.com

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 Roman-style theatrical productions

See: Timeline of the Golden Age of Latin Drama.

• Ludi Romani
• Circus Maximus
• Gladiators and Games