September 10
ante diem IV IdusSeptember
The Ludi Romani or Ludi Magni (September 5-19) were held to honor Jupiter Optimus Maximus whose temple was dedicated on September 13, 509 (Source: Scullard). The games were organized by the curule aediles and were divided into ludi circenses and ludi scaenici. They started with a procession to the Circus Maximus. In the procession were young men, some on horseback, charioteers, the almost naked competing athletes, spear carrying dancers to flute and lyre players, satyr and Silenoi impersonators, musicians and incense burners, followed by images of the gods and once mortal divine heroes, and sacrificial animals. The games included horse-drawn chariot races, foot races, boxing, wrestling, and more.
A.D. 422 - < Source: URL = www.christianitytoday.com/history/features/twich/37.html > Celestine is elected pope. Celestine convoked the Council of Ephesus [see ecumenical councils] to fight the Nestorian heresy and may have sent St. Patrick as a missionary to Ireland.
