The SATURNALIA was the festival of Saturn, to whom the inhabitants of
Latium attributed the introduction of agriculture and the arts of
civilized life. It was celebrated near the end of December,
corresponding to our Christmas holidays, and under the Empire lasted
seven days. During its continuance no public business was transacted,
the law courts were closed, the schools had a holiday, and slaves were
relieved from all ordinary toil. All classes devoted themselves to
pleasure, and presents were interchanged among friends.

The LUPERCALIA; a festival in honor of Lupercus, the god of fertility,
was celebrated on the 15th of February. It was one of the most ancient
festivals, and was held in the Lupercal, where Romulus and Remus were
said to have been nursed by the she wolf (_lupa_). The priests of
Lupercus were called LUPERCI. They formed a collegium, but their
tenure of office is not known. On the day of the festival these
priests met at the Lupercal, offered sacrifice of goats, and took a
meal, with plenty of wine. They then cut up the skins of the goats
which they had sacrificed. With some of these they covered parts of
their bodies, and with others, they made thongs, and, holding them in
their hands, ran through the streets of Rome, striking with them all
whom they met, especially women, as it was believed this would render
them fruitful.

The QUIRINALIA was celebrated on the 17th of February, when Quirínus
(Romulus) was said to have been carried up to heaven.

Gladiators were men who fought with swords in the amphitheatre and
other places, for the amusement of the people. These shows were first
exhibited at Rome in 264 B. c., and were confined to public funerals;