www.cohorssullana.grafosystem.ro/a3.htm

_________ LUDI VICTORIAE SULLANAE________________

Ludi Victoriae Sullanae Program 28th October :

1. Ludi Circenses, Quarters.

2. Certamen Historicum # 3.

QUAESTIO N°3 - How many wives did have Sulla all through his life? What were their names? RESPONSUM N°3 - It seems to be a difficult question, even just looking the very different answers I have received. Some sources in the Internet suggest that Sulla had 4 wives but more adequate sources e.g. Plutarch sais L. Sulla Felix had 5 wives: Julia Caesaris, Aelia Tuberonis, Cloelia, Caecilia Metella Dalmatica, Valeria Messala.

_________ LUDI MEGALENSES_________________________

Ludi Megalenses Program 6th April :

1. Ludi Circenses, Quarters

Quarters Round A Finally is arrived the day of the Circus Games! The City is full with impatient followers that want fervently to see the victory of his colors and the Circus presents a complete entrance. There are some problems of public order in the entrances, but the gardians intervenes quickly to separate to some supporters of the red team and blue factions that have begun a fight. But it has been brief and of little importance since only there have been thirty wounded. that is normal in some games so concured. It's the hour VIII and already the Aedilis Curules has made its entrance in the Circus, retarded by the long ceremonies in the Temple. They are acclaimed by the whole public because their presence is sign that the Games will begin. The teams enter for te porta Principalis and they receive the clamor of their followers. In the first race four teams will run:

Quadriga: Vita Brevis Aurigator: Petronius Gnipho Factio: Albata Dominus: Gnaeus Equitius Marinus Quadriga: Stella Iudaeae Auriga: Herodias Factio: Praesina It dominates: Marca Hortensia Maior Quadriga: Velox Puteulanus Sors Aurigator: Felix Celeris Factio: Veneta Dominus: Lucius Vitellius Triarius Quadriga: Celer Furiousqve Aurigator: Aristeus Atrox Factio: Russata Dominus: Lucius Arminius Faustus It will begin her in brief moments and it's still time to make the last bets. The honor of presiding over the first race is for the Aedil Curul Senior, Iulius Sulla that already carries the white handkerchief to give the start order. When shaking it in the air the Circus silences containing the emotion. He throws the cloth and the noise from the doors when opening up suddenly: it's the sign so that the whole public stands up and encourage to his favorite quadriga. Today the fortunate ones are the Blues because Velox Puteulanus Sors comes out the first one, giving an authentic lesson to the rest of participants. Stella Iudaeae pursues him that has also made a good startt, but it is pursued closely by Vita Brevis. Celer Furiousqve is the fourth, but at so little distance to her competitors that his followers can be very proud to him. In the first turns the surprise gives it Stella Iudaeae because its aggressive conduction makes him advance to the Blue chariot in the second turn. He doesn't seem to be in a hurry and it even allows comfortably the maneuver. That irritates their followers, but it is obvious that he prefers to keep the forces of their beautiful horses for the end. However in the third turn Herodías makes an error in the turn that almost he finds difficult a horrible accident. for luck it isn't this way and it can continue in the race. Velox Puteolanus recaptures the head of the race and Vita Brevis fight for the second position with the Green quadriga. Celer Furiousqve obtained the hate of her followers because her tactics is too conservative and he continues at long distance of the head's group. Starting from the fourth turn the public is grown impatient. They wants more aggressiveness in the ground and ithey points out it encouraging to their team and insulting the rivals. This seems to inflame the Green charioteers since a third of the spectators shows proud this coulored flags. Their reaction is impressive. Velox Puteolanus continues being the first one, but its hegemony are now questioned by Stella Iudaeae that is already only two distance cars after him. The third are Vita Brevis, but now it is threatened by Celer Furiousqve that begins to make use of a more aggressive tactics as he comes closer the end of the race. They are two turns to conclude the race and the dispute of the victory is among the teams Green and Blue. Velox Puteolanus Sors accelerates the rhythm and they horses mark an excellent rhythm. Stella Iudaeae is the chariot that he better takes the curves, but its trajectory in the ground it should be but wide and it loses some time in hurrying after the turn. This circumstance is good Velox Puteolanus to advance him in the straight line and it unchains the happiness of they unconditional followers. After them, it is touching the conflict among Velox Puteolanus and Celer Furiousqve. The Red quadriga makes a boast of good conduction and it surpasses to the target to hardly two turns of the end, with the charioteer's great displeasure Petronius Gnipho that he loses the poise and it makes a small error that is taken advantage of by its rival. The end of the career should be more concerned, but now the important thing is to be classified for the Semifinals and it is sensed that Félix Celeris and Herodias are coming to an agreement for not to be blocked and to avoid a fatal accident. There is not, therefore surprises in the arrival. 1º - Velox Puteulanus Sors and Félix Celeris (factio VENETA) - CLASSIFIED 2º - Stella Iudaeae and Herodias (factio PRAESINA) - CLASSIFIED 3º - Celer Furiousqve and Aristeus Atrox (factio RUSSATA) 4º - Vita Brevis and Petronius Gnipho (factio ALBATA)

Quarters Round B After a brief rest to repair the Arena the preparations of the second race are come already. In this occasion The Editor transfer the honor of giving the start to her colleague Savius Astur, ex-consul in last year and great fond of the Games. The election on the part of Iulius Sulla is welcomed whenhis favorite factio, the Albata, not having representatives and he's considered an even citizen. The teams make act of presence for it chariots on the Porta Principalis of the circus and while their followers acclaim them it's shouted their names so that the whole public knows them: Quadriga: Apula Aurigator: Magister Valencianus Factio: Russata Dominus: Franciscus Apulus Caesar Quadriga: Orionis Draco Aurigtor: Equus Magnus Factio: Veneta Dominus: Titus Licinius Crassus Quadriga: Inexpugnabilis III Aurigator: Euthymus Factio: Praesina Dominus: Caius Curius Saturninus For participants' lack in the second race only will compete three quadrigae, but this doesn't remove emotion to the fight since the teams are always enemy. Everything is clever to begin and it indicates the purple banner that has just risen in the area of the satarting boxes. The President Astur gets up so that all see him, it raises the handkerchief. he waits some seconds in maximum expectation. and the low thing in beginning sign. The doors of the boxes open up and the Circus becomes a powder cloud and a deafening scream. First to all the public's din is incredibel, especially in the section of the Red followers because it's they team the one that satart in head. It has not been a spectacular beginning, but Apula it's the quickest chariot. In second position is Inexpugnabilis III that he has made a mediocre exit but that worse it has still been the starting of Orionis Draco. e distances among the three quadrigae are considerable, but people know that they are still seven turns to the Spina and that they can occur many things. Magister Valencianus seems to have taken the initiative and he doesn't want to be allowed to surprise for its rivals. Now he has advantage and he seeks don't lose it. Their tactics is resolved and chancy, coming closer to the wall in the metae with an incredible precision. Their italic horses are beautiful, but also rude and no cowards. It is sensational their form of taking the curves and surely right now there are spectators losing authentic fortunes in the bets to have minimized the animals of the Red team. Their owner, Apullus Caesar, keeps proud silent among so much vociferous crowd and only he thinks of being placed the pleats correctly his toga to receive the palm of his charioteer's hands, offering him the sure victory. But it is not even too much soon to dream of the glory. The bad exit of the Green team will cost him very much to go back until the second position that would classify him. However the Greens don't despair and they trust Euthymus blindly, a great charioteer with many games in their record. He takes Inexpugnabilis III to a comfortable constant rhythm thinking of the strength of their Nordic horses. On the other hand Equus Magnus and Orionis Draco wants to secure the second position and not to wear away too much, thinking in the semifinal´s race. It shakes the reins and sample the power of their animals in the straight line, but it's not shown skillful in the curves. Will he be able to reach Apula? We are in the half race and it's still all possible one. They remain only two of seven turns. Apula is in head of the race in a solitary effort that inflames the Green supporters. In second place it's Inexpugnabilis III whose horses accuse the excessive heat from the south lands to which aren't too much acclimatized. They run excellently in the straight line, but they lose the concentration since in the curves their furalis internus horse, the one placed in left and responsible for the effectiveness in the turns, is shown visibly nervous. Their charioteer has problems to dominate him without being left the ground. This circumstance is knowingly taken advantage by Equus Magnus that go Orionis Draco in a delirious race to advance the rival. To risk of suffering an accident gets it in the last turn! Before the astonishment of their followers that they already intone songs of victory to be classified a second Blue team. 1º - Apula and Magister Valencianus (factio RUSSATA) - CLASSIFIED 2º - Orionis Draco and Equus Magnus (factio VENETA) - CLASSIFIED 3º - Inexpugnabilis III and Euthymus (factio PRAESINA) It's necessary to highlight an incident at the race finish in those that a groups of followers of White team that hey supported to the Greens in this occasion, has jumped to the Sand and attempted to attack Equus Magnus for what they consider an irregular behavior. It hasn't been this way and the judges attest the correction of all the charioteers. The guards have expelled them violently of the Circus since they are still races to celebrate this day.

Quarters Round C The afternoon lapses placidly, the climate is pleasant and the spring is splendid. The gardens of the city are replete of flowers and the citizens that have not gotten their entrance ticket in the Circus they can enjoy a beautiful walk at least. However still there is people's multitude in the surroundings from the Circus to attentive the interior uproar to know immediately if their team wins or loses. It's known that the terraces of the nearest buildings have been rented for some exorbitant prices that the staunchest fans have paid gladly: it's says to a hundred thousand sesterces. but there is not doubt that such a quantity deserves it. The third race of the afternoon will begin in hardly some minutes. The guest to declare the exit is Bianchius Antonius, current Tribunus Plebis that takes the position in the honour box to give the signal to the three participant teams: Quadriga: Fiamma Rossa Aurigator: Marcus Eguvinus Factio: Russata Dominus: Marcus Iulius Perusianus Quadriga: Incitatus Aurigtor: Furius Bellator Factio: Albata Dominus: Lucía Cassia Silvana Quadriga: Delecta Mea Aurigator: Crescens Factio: Praesina Dominus: Julilla Sempronia Magna Also in this occasion there are only three chariots in the sand but they are of three different colors what always guarantees the show. There are problems with the horses that are really nervous and the collaborators of the teams don't get them to be placed in the correct position. The horses of Fiamma Rossa is specially difficult of calming down for what the start is delayed until this chariot is placed in his box and it's possible to close the doors. The neighs of the animals make the public's edginess that is grown impatient to increase. The effort has been big, but it seems that everything is correct and Bianchius Antonius notices the sign of the judges's conformity. and it throws the white cloth for no more retarding the show. The start is bad! the worst o this day. Incitatus makes happiness delirium from to White followers in spite of his mediocre gallop. Delecta Mea goes out with an incredible speed, but its road takes him toward the exterior route: Crescens is able to dominate the horses, but he has lost a time that will recover as soon as possible. In last position it is Fiamma Rossa whose start race has been a disaster. Their horses are nervous and the spectator's clamour doesn't help to calm them. The Red followers are shown indignant and they swear vengeance against the charioteer, they throw their pads to their passing and they cry for their bets that they feel evaporated... but it's still soon to complain and there's time so that the red chariot overcome. The Gods have received many offerings and is sure that they will protect the interests of who entertain them. The first part of the race is very calm, because Incitatus takes enough advantage like to take calmly the competition. It gets a distance of almost half straight line regarding the second car, for what doesn't force their horses to the waste while it is not threatened. And it maintains a comfortable and constant rhythm. The Green team doesn't despair and its objective is always to get the victory.. Its tactics is revealed moderately aggressive because its current second position classifies him equally for the semifinals. but the hate to the Whites is so stronger and their followers demand him to pursue Incitatus and throws him outside of the race. On the other hand, the indignation go over the tiers of the red supporters. Marcus Eguvinus recovers the control of his nervous horses, but it takes a lot of disadvantage to recover them in the four turns that rest for the finish. The effort of Fiamma Rossa will have to be titanic to classified for the following game's round. Unfortunately the bad start is a ballast that it weighs a lot in the second half of the race. Incitatus is not questioned in leadership that doesn't decrease at all. Then it's unnecessary to punish the horses and Furius Bellator he's devoted to be exhibited and to greet the public showing a total scorn for their rivals: it feels sure conquering and he still shows off as such before arriving to the goal line. On the other hand, Fiamma Rossa is having an astonishing progression. Making honor to their name their charioteer takes out all the possible power to their hefty horses even with the use of the whip, thing that its owner doesn't like it then can hurt its expensive horses. The effort begins to give some results because little by little he approaches to Delecta Mea. The Green followers see with concern like the rival comes closer dangerously and it can snatch the second position of his team. Come closer the race's finish! Certainly it is a boring race because the victory of Incitatus is safe. Except for an accident that fervently its rivals want, but that it doesn't seem probable. Delecta Mea reacts fron the threat of Fiamma Rossa and he accelerates the gallop making useless the rival's effort. Therefore there are not surprises in a classification that has not varied in the seven turns of the competition. 1º - Incitatus and Furius Bellator (factio ALBATA) - CLASSIFIED 2º - Delecta Mea and Crescens (factio PRAESINA) - CLASSIFIED 3º - Fiamma Rossa and Marcus Eguvinus (factio RUSSATA)

Quarters Round D The Games have not finished today! Since the scarce participation in these games doesn't allow the celebration of a fourth race in the Quarters, the judges they have decided to carry out a second chance test for those teams that have not achieved the classification. This generates some protests among the proprietors of the chariots that they have been classified rightfully, but their protests have been underrated. To have a second opportunity is not an advantage since it also supposes a second opportunity to have an accident. Therefore gets ready the hint for the fourth and last race again. Naturally the spectators are charmed with which the show continues and many bet again to make up for of their previous losses or for the simple satisfaction of seeing win to its team and favorite color. The following teams will be again in the exit line: Quadriga: Vita Brevis Aurigator: Petronius Gnipho Factio: Russata Dominus: Gnaeus Equitius Marinus Quadriga: Celer Furiousqve Aurigtor: Aristeus Atrox Factio: Russata Dominus: Lucius Arminius Faustus Quadriga: Inexpugnabilis III Aurigator: Euthymus Factio: Praesina Dominus: Caius Curius Saturninus Quadriga: Fiamma Rossa Aurigator: Marcus Eguvinus Factio: Russata Dominus: Marcus Iulius Perusianus It's late and the Sun declines quickly, so it's necessary to be suseful the last hour of sun before closing the day of Games. The own Aedil Curul Iulius Sulla takes charge of giving the starting sign. The departure is excellent, the best in the day! The speed of Fiamma Rossa even astonishes his followers that scream delighted and they are willing to forgive Marcus Eguvinus his bad previous race. Inexpugnabilis III have also made one of the best start in their history, but only it's good him to obtain the second place but with so a couple of heads late in front of speedy red chariot. It's incredible, there's a third team in the fight to leadership. is Celer Furiousqve, of the Red factio that he tries to be placed in the interior area of the hint and obtain the easiest trajectory. Get it! They introduce their horses between the wall and the Green chariot and he has the whole straight line before curve although it supposes a danger of being contained if their rival make a violent maneuver. But in the quadriga's races almost everything is allowed! Finally we see Vita Brevis that has begun in a calmed way. We don't know if he has had some problems or if he's awaiting seeing the race developement to hurry in the last laps. Their followers trust in the abilities of Petronius Gnipho. Definitively, this is the best race in the games. Inexpugnabilis III fight bloodily with Fiamma Rossa until touching the tragedy. Both are even and in the first curve they are hindered mutually: Inexpugnabilis enters for the interior with the Fiamma is forced to rectify the trajectory to avoid the crash. However the ability of red charioteer salvo the situation for this time. Aristeus Atrox wait in the third position but it is undecided to near being introduced in the fight. Vita Brevis takes with a lot of calm and its step is constant, reserving the force of the horses for the finish time: it's a risk tactic but in many occasions it has been conquering. The patience is a great virtue. The last phase of the race promises to be touching. The fight for the victory is thing of three chariots, two Red against one Green. In the fifth turn they are not still clear the positions, Inexpugnabilis stays hit Fiamma and it even advances him in occasions but in a constant exchange of positions that it expands the happiness and the emotion for all the spectators of the Circus. The expectation is maximum because an accident can take place in any moment that the white followers want because his team has an opportunity to be classified. At the moment the behavior of the charioteers is perfect, no dirty tactics neither attack the rivals except for habitual maneuvers of blocking the rival's trajectory to avoid advancements. Already comes closer the last turn and the public screaming with passions encouraging his team. Fiamma Rossa continues in first position but it's not able to take off Inexpugnabilis III that it pursues him like a shadow. Celer Furiousqve is all race trying to advance Inexpugnabilis, but it has been impossible since each intent is counteracted by a maneuver of Euthymus. The three are arriving to the last curve and to go last straight line's race. Is the last opportunity! Euthymus shakes the reins hopelessly demanding a titanic effort to horses. It seeks to be introduced by the interior part of the turn to achieve the good trajectory and to win the race: he doesn't want to conform to with a vulgar second position although it supposes also to be classified. Get it for scarce inches! and Marcus Eguvinus should opt to leave him or to contain against the wall and to cause the accident of both. An energetic blow of reins causes that the horses of Fiamma Rossa bolts and the quadriga veers for the exterior of the hint. and this is taken advantage of in way opportunist by Inexpugnabilis that is placed in head of the race. Aristeus Atrox feels as the Gods they have listened his prayer and takes advantage of that Inexpugnabilis also has been destabilized by the maneuver of Fiamma: he cannot make anything to aid their partner but he glimpses the exact hole to place their horses and immediately whip they demand them the last effort until the goal. Unfortunately the last straight line is not enough space so that Fiamma Rossa is able to hurry to recover the lost distance, it's even threatened by Vita Brevis whose horses have not been in the fight and they arrive with less wornout power. Therefore, the result is clear and overwhelming. 1º - Celer Furiousqve and Aristeus Atrox (factio RUSSATA) - CLASSIFIED 2º - Inexpugnabilis III and Euthymus (factio PRAESINA) - CLASSIFIED 3º - Vita Brevis and Petronius Gnipho (factio ALBATA) - ELIMINATED 4º - Fiamma Rossa and Marcus Eguvinus (factio RUSSATA) - ELIMINATED Congratulation to those classified! It has been an excellent race and the Gods have been generous today avoiding all accidents.

..................................................................................................................................2. Munera Gladiatoria, Semifinal matches

Again it is a beautiful day for the Ludi. Today the semifinals are taking place. Closed fights between well known gladiators as you can see only in Circus Maximus. From the morning the seats of the arena are full. There is too many people and an sound that’s shaking the ground. The gladiators who will fight in semifinals are: Superstes the athletic Secutor of hon. Triarius, who’s adored by the crowd and especially the dames. Memmius Rododactilus, the Thraex belonging the Praetor Faustus, and well known for his ferocity. Perspicax, Murmillio, from Perugia belonging to Iulius Perusianus. Achillea Retiara with an unusual courage, coming from Hibernia, sponsored by Hortensia Maior. Ftatius Achillean sponsored by the same Faustus. Master Webmaster, Retiarius, an experienced exponent of the Nordic fighting school, belonging to Curius Saturninus. The Senators and the magistrates take their place in the audience and greets the Senior Aedil for the good course of the festivity. This one gives a sign and the chamberlain announces the start of the games. Superstes and Memmius enter the arena. Their weapons shine and their equipment looks impeccable showing that they are belonging some prosperous houses. The gladiators salute the crowd and then salute each other. Signal of starting. The fight between experienced gladiators shows less hidden tactics. Everything is calculated. The mistakes are few but sometimes deadly. Both gladiators fight in defense. They are studying each other pretty much; their attacks are powerful but without a result yet. Swords are crossing but they are stopped by shields. Because one big hit Superstes loose the shield. Memmius attacks with determination not giving Superstes the chance of getting up his shield. This one is forced to fall back. Memmius tries using this advantage, and gives one hit after another. Superstes bloks and fight in retreat. Memmius is inpatient and his lots of hits begin to be uncertain. That’s more than a lot for Superstes to put an end to this fight. At one moment, with a powerful hit of the Thraex Superstes makes a strafe and taking advantage from the Memmius lack of equilibrium, stabs him. The blood is flowing in the arena while Memmius collapses on the ground. The hit was definitely final. Cheered by the audience Superstes leaves the arena. The second fight is waited with high interest. Perspicax vs. Achillea. This is a difficult fight for Perspicax, not because of Achillea’s skills but because the enthusiasm of the crowd. Achillea conquered the audience with her fights. And the battle starts. Perspicax creates unpredictable situation typical for his name. Achillea keeps the distance using the trident. Because of that Perspicax has to roll over next to her to find her weakest point matching his sword. But he only waste more energy and gets tired easily. Even when he’s near he gets hits on the helm by the Achillea’s net. Those hits gives Achillea the possibility to reconsider her attack. At this time Perspicax catches the net and Achillea has to let loose. Otherwise she will be too close to Murmillio and she would be exposed to danger. Perspicax shows the public his new trophy. He gets only pieces of ovations. He throws the net far away and quicly attacks Achillea. This one is not frightened at all. She draws her dagger knowing that she’ll be in disadvantage in a close combat. She hits with the trident, this one slides on the Perspicax shield and pass near him. Perspicax rise his sword to give the final hit but he uncovers a part of his body. Achillea sees that and with a quick move she stabs her opponent. Perspicax hits the air and falls to the ground. He’s not dead but it seems he can’t continue fighting. His life is spared by the audience, while Achillea receives full ovations. The last fight is being given between Master Webmaster and Ftatius Achillean, two different gladiators: Murmillio and Retiarius from different schools. Webmaster is the public favorite, but he’s in a slight disadvantage because of the heat. The gladiators are studying each other with short hits. Each of them tries to discover the weak points of the opponent. Ftatius shows agility, webmaster shows the force. Ftatius avoids well the trident. Webmaster prepare himself throwing the net. In the public is a quiet athmosphere. Only the hits are being accompanied by ovations. The gladiators attack, reject and counterattack. Everything is like dancing. A deadly dance. Some hits given by Ftatius to brake Webmaster’s defense. Some hits given by Webmaster with his trident , everything drives to the point where everybody will remember this move: Webmaster hits with the trident Ftatius’s shield. Ftatius comes with his sword from an upper place but Webmaster strafes and quickly falls back. Then something hard to imagine happens: Webmaster counterattacks using his triden like a spear aiming Ftatius’s head. This one manage to strafe but falls into the net being trapped. He tries to cut it but Webmaster has already the dagger to his neck. Everything stops and after that the crowd from Circus Maximus shakes the ground with shouts and ovations. Ftatius’s life will be spared and Webmaster goes to the Finals.

3. Certamen Historicum # 4.

QUAESTIO N°4 – Who was Claudia Quinta and why is she important to the Megalesia?

RESPONSUM N°4 – Claudia Quinta was a vestal virgine, who's reputation had been questioned because she had previously been falsely accused of breaking her holy vows. She was among the Matrons of Rome who received the Goddess arriving at Ostia. When the ship with the statue of Cybele arrived from Pessinus, it became stuck at the mouth of the Tiber and resisted all attempts to free it. Claudia Quinta waded into the waters, shoo'd off the men and pulled the ship free by herself according to the legend. Thus she restored her reputation. This is the legend of Claudia Quinta narrated by Ovid: (The ship with the statue of Magna Mater) ’…had arrived at Ostia where the Tiber divides To meet the deep, and flows with a wider sweep: All the Knights, grave Senators, and commoners, Came to meet her at the mouth of the Tuscan river. With them walked mothers, daughters, and brides, And all those virgins who tend the sacred hearths. The men wearied their arms hauling hard on the ropes: (…) Yet the ship lodged there, like an island fixed in mid-ocean: And astonished at the portent, men stood and quaked. Claudia Quinta traced her descent from noble Clausus, And her beauty was in no way unequal to her nobility: She was chaste, but not believed so: hostile rumour Had wounded her, false charges were levelled at her: Her elegance, promenading around in various hairstyles, And her ready tongue, with stiff old men, counted against her. Conscious of virtue, she laughed at the rumoured lies, But we’re always ready to credit others with faults. Now, when she’d stepped from the line of chaste women, Taking pure river water in her hands, she wetted her head Three times, three times lifted her palms to the sky, (Everyone watching her thought she’d lost her mind) Then, kneeling, fixed her eyes on the goddess’s statue, And, with loosened hair, uttered these words: “ Kind and fruitful Mother of the Gods, accept A suppliant’s prayers, on this one condition: They deny I’m chaste: let me be guilty if you condemn me: Convicted by a goddess I’ll pay for it with my life. But if I’m free of guilt, grant a pledge of my innocence By your action: and, chaste, give way to my chaste hands.” She spoke: then gave a slight pull at the rope, (A wonder, but the sacred drama attests what I say): The goddess stirred, followed, and, following, approved her: Witness the sound of jubilation carried to the stars. They came to a bend in the river (called of old The Halls of Tiber): there the stream turns left, ascending. Night fell: they tied the rope to an oak stump, And, having eaten, settled to a tranquil sleep. Dawn rose: they loosed the rope from the oak stump, After first laying a fire and offering incense, And crowned the stern, and sacrificed a heifer Free of blemish, that had never known yoke or bull. There’s a place where smooth-flowing Almo joins the Tiber, And the lesser flow loses its name in the greater: There, a white-headed priest in purple robes Washed the Lady, and sacred relics, in Almo’s water. The attendants howled, and the mad flutes blew, And soft hands beat at the bull’s-hide drums. Claudia walked in front with a joyful face, Her chastity proven by the goddess’s testimony: The goddess herself, sitting in a cart, entered the Capene Gate: Fresh flowers were scattered over the yoked oxen. Nasica received her... (Ovid, Fasti, IV. 291-347)’