Download Denk Triumph

Scott Denk
Greek and Roman Religion
11/3/14
The Roman Triumph
The Roman Triumph illustrates everything that is to be Roman. Political and religious, it
shows off each success of the Roman army before the people of Rome, creating a spectacle that
sprawled through the main streets of Rome. For three days this continued, in which the
triumphant general would be celebrated as if he were a god.
The Roman Triumph was just as much for the victorious general as it was for Rome. As
Warrior states in her book Roman Religion, “the victorious general, dressed as the god Jupiter,
entered the city accompanied by his soldiers, war captives, and a display of the booty he had
seized” (Warrior 7). The procession made its way from the edge of the city to its very center,
Capitoline Hill and the temple of Jupiter. Sometimes, the spectacle of the event lasted for days
on end. Viewing decks were built for the onlookers to gaze upon the rare and luxurious spoils
that the various battles had earned the general. These processions could include, but were not
limited to, the playing of trumpets and other musical instruments, a proceeding of chariots
carrying wealth, men on foot carrying gold and silver in chests and vessels, and many other
displays of masculine power and wealth. Singers would follow the general on his high chariot,
where he was dressed as the god Jupiter, robed in purple or red embroidered with gold and
carrying laurels to symbolize his ultimate victory. (Warrior 63-66).
Despite its religious ties, following the traditional Roman way, it also had a connection to
politics. The successful general had to apply to the senate for his grand triumph. Only with their
permission could he be allowed the grand parade and the worship. The procession began beyond
the sacred boundary of the city, or the pomerium, near the temple of the war goddess Bellona
(regarded as Mars’s companion and twin sister). From there it travelled through the Circus
Flaminius and Circus Maximus (where ludi took place). The general rode in a chariot shaped
like a round tower, making him stand apart from the crowd of other soldiers and his newfound
spoils. The parade could be seen as a political venture as well as a militaristic celebration,
because it showed off the general’s potential as a leader, it required the approval of the Senate,
and almost guaranteed him a future position in the government of Rome if he continued to show
success. Some generals, including Tiberius, were destined to become emperor, and shown off to
the world in various art forms, carved into cups and chalices and chiseled into stone.
The Roman Triumph emphasizes everything that is Rome because of its ability to tie
religion and politics together in such a way that only Rome was able to accomplish. It was
through these showcases of the Roman wealth that a general could show off his potential as a
ruler, and eventually come to have his name written in the minds of generations to come because
of the prowess of his military successes.
Works Cited:
"Ancient Rome City Growth." Wikimedia Commons. N.p., n.d. Web. 2 Nov. 2014.
<http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/
File:Platner_-_Ancient_Rome_city_growth.jpg>.
Lagrenée, Louis. Bellona Presenting the Reins of his Horses to Mars. 1766. Oil
on Canvas. Princeton University Art Museum, New Jersey.
"Print Roman Art Flashcards." Easy Note Cards. N.p., n.d. Web. 2 Nov. 2014.
<http://www.easynotecards.com/print_list/8035>.
"A Roman Triumph." Student Handouts. N.p., n.d. Web. 2 Nov. 2014.
<http://www.studenthandouts.com/01-Web-Pages/01-Picture-Pages/
09.04-03-Ancient-Roman-Triumph.htm>.
Warrior, Valerie M. Roman Religion. New York: Cambridge University, 2006. Print.