Ludi

Related Terms • Ludi Megalenses - Megalensia • Ludi Romani • Table of the Ludi Scaenici

Definition: The ludi were public Roman games started before 220 B.C. as annual, communal games to give thanks to the gods. During the Republic, the entertainment provided at the games was either chariot races (ludi circenses) or theatrical performances (ludi scaenici). Tradition says that Tarquin the Elder started the ludi circenses and that he made the plans for the Circus Maximus where they were held. From 366, the games were known as ludi Romani or the great games. Three years later, the first ludi scaenici were introduced. During the era of Imperial Rome, the ludi included gladiatorial combats or beast hunts.

Source: Sport and Spectacle in the Ancient World, by Donald Kyle; p.257.

Examples:The Roman games included the Ludi Romani, Ludi Megalenses, Ludi Saeculares, Ludi Apollinares, Ludi Capitolini, Ludi Florales, Ludi Plebeii, Ludi Victoriae Caesaris, Ludi Taurei quinquennales, and Ludi Victoriae Sullae.

Related Resources:

Circus - The Circus Maximus
Chariot races and theatrical events, part of the public entertainment of the ludi were held in the circus.

Elsewhere on the Web:

Ludi Romani

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