Minerva Roman bronze statuette, 2nd century CE. Collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, New Yo
Minerva Roman bronze statuette, 2nd century CE. Collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York via metmuseum.org Image License: Public Domain CC0 1.0Today, March 19, is the first day of the Greater Quinquatrus (or Quinquatria), a five-day festival dedicated to the goddess Minerva. The festival probably dates to the dedication of the Temple of Minerva on the Aventine Hill in Rome on this date in the 3rd century BCE. Some ancient Romans also regarded this date as the dies natalis (birthday) of the goddess, as well. The first day of the festival seems to have been devoted to a procession, prayers, and sacrifices. The following four days were given over to gladiatorial games, music, and other forms of public celebration. -- source link
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