Festival during a Civil War: Vicus Secundini in AD 2381
Festival during a Civil War: Vicus Secundini in AD 2381

Summary/Abstract: Ancient festivals, in addition to their religious functions, played an important role in uniting communities and maintaining harmony within them. The regular convening of community members was instrumental in the establishment and preservation of shared values and principles. It is evident that such functions were also fulfilled by the annually celebrated festival in vicus Secundini, located in Northern Dobruja, in the vicinity of the Greek colony of Histria. Annually, the inhabitants of the settlement, namely the Roman citizens and the Thracians who resided there, made offerings to the supreme Roman deity, Jupiter, for the well-being of the ruling emperor. During the course of the festival, it is highly likely that sacrifices were offered and vows were made. In the year AD 238, the Roman Empire was governed by six rulers, of whom five were assassinated, leaving the 13-year-old Gordian III as the sole emperor. In the spring or summer of the aforementioned year, a festival in honour of Jupiter was celebrated in vicus Secundini. However, an empty space was left on the altar on which the name of the new emperor could be inscribed. For the ethnically and socially diverse community, it was of particular importance to honour the supreme Roman god, to make their requests for well-being and prosperity, to pray for deliverance from the cruelties of the raging civil war and the looming danger of barbarian invasions.

• Details
• Contents