Megalesia facts for kids

The Megalesia was a special festival in Ancient Rome. It happened every year from April 4th to April 10th. Romans celebrated it to honor a goddess named Cybele, who they also called Magna Mater, meaning "Great Mother." The word "Megalesia" comes from a Greek word, Megale, which means "Great." During this festival, there were Ludi, which were like games and shows that were part of the religious celebration.

Why Cybele Came to Rome

Cybele's special statue was brought to Rome from a place called Pessinus in 204 BC. She came with her priestesses, who were called Gallae. Romans believed she was a very old goddess from Troy, and that she was the "Great Mother of the Gods."

At the time, Rome was fighting a big war against Carthage, called the Second Punic War. The Romans hoped Cybele would help them win. When her statue arrived, it was a huge event! There was a grand parade, special feasts, games, and gifts offered to her. Her statue was first kept in the temple of Victory on the Palatine Hill.

In 203 BC, Romans promised to build Cybele her own temple. Games were held in her honor in 193 BC. The regular yearly Megalesia festival officially started in 191 BC, after her temple was finished and dedicated.

What Happened at the Festival

The Megalesia festival began on April 4th, which was the day Cybele's statue first arrived in Rome. We don't know every detail of the festival, but it included many fun activities.

Plays and Shows

One important part of the festival was ludi scaenici, which were plays and other shows based on religious stories. These were probably performed on the steps leading up to Cybele's temple. Some of these plays were even written by famous playwrights of the time.

Chariot Races

On April 10th, Cybele's statue was carried in a public parade to the Circus Maximus. This was a huge stadium where exciting chariot races were held in her honor. Her temple was built so that people could see the racetrack from its entrance. There was even a permanent statue of Magna Mater on the dividing barrier of the racetrack. This statue showed the goddess sitting on a lion's back, so she could "watch" the races and celebrations!

The Grand Procession

The parade for Cybele was very colorful and lively. People from other cultures, like the Greeks, sometimes thought it looked very "Phrygian" (from a region in ancient Asia Minor).

During the procession, there were "war dancers" wearing helmets with three plumes. They would clash their shields together, making loud bronze sounds. There were also the yellow-robed, long-haired Galli priestesses. They waved knives and played wild music with drums (tympanons) and shrill flutes. Along the parade route, people scattered rose petals, and sweet-smelling incense filled the air.

The goddess's statue was carried high on a platform. She wore a special crown that looked like city walls and sat in a sculpted chariot pulled by lions. This public display of the Megalesia procession was very grand and showed off the unique traditions of Cybele's worship.

Feasts and Social Gatherings

During the festival, wealthy Roman nobles would invite each other to their homes for lavish feasts. These parties were held to honor the goddess. They were often very expensive and competitive, as rich Romans tried to impress their friends and show off their wealth. Because of this, the Roman senate (Rome's governing council) made a rule in 161 BC. This rule limited how much money could be spent on food, wine, and fancy silverware for these feasts.

A Political Disturbance

Later, a Roman politician named Cicero spoke out against another politician, Clodius. Cicero said that Clodius had caused trouble during the Megalesia festival. Clodius was trying to gain support from common people, even though he came from a noble family. The Megalesia was mainly a festival for the noble families. Clodius tried to take control of the festival by hiring groups of enslaved people. His attempt failed, and he faced consequences for trying to disrupt Rome's traditional customs.

See also

• Sacerdos Matris Deum Magnae Idaeae

Images for kids

• 

  Illustration of the month of April based on the Calendar of Filocalus (354 AD), perhaps either a Gallus or a theatrical performer for the Megalesia