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ancient Roman religion Religion in ancient Rome consisted of varying imperial and provincial religious practices, which were followed both by the people of Rome as well as those who were brought under its rule. The Romans thought of themselves as highly religious, ...
, the Epulum Jovis (also Epulum Iovis) was a sumptuous ritual feast offered to Jove on the
Ides Ides or IDES may refer to: Calendar dates * Ides (calendar), a day in the Roman calendar that fell roughly in the middle of the month. In March, May, July, and October it was the 15th day of the month; in other months it was the 13th. **Ides of Mar ...
of September (September 13) and a smaller feast on the Ides of November (November 13). It was celebrated during the '' Ludi Romani'' ("Roman Games") and the ''
Ludi Plebeii The Plebeian Games (Latin ''Ludi Plebeii'') were an ancient Roman religious festival held November 4–17. The games ''(ludi)'' included both theatrical performances ''(ludi scaenici)'' and athletic competitions for the purpose of entertaining the ...
'' ("Plebeian Games"). The gods were formally invited, and attended in the form of statues. These were arranged on luxurious couches ''( pulvinaria)'' placed at the most honorable part of the table. Fine food was served, as if they were able to eat. The priests designated as ''
epulones The (Latin for "feasters"; sing. ''epulo'') arranged feasts and public banquets at festivals and games ''(ludi)''. They constituted one of the four great religious corporations (''quattuor amplissima collegia'') of ancient Roman priests. Estab ...
'', or masters of the feast, organized and carried out the ritual, and acted as "gastronomic proxies" in eating the food.


See also

*
Lectisternium The lectisternium was an ancient Roman propitiatory ceremony, consisting of a meal offered to gods and goddesses. The word derives from ''lectum sternere'', "to spread (or "drape") a couch." The deities were represented by their busts or statue ...
*
Sellisternium The sellisternium or ''solisternium'' was a ritual banquet for goddesses in the Ancient Roman religion. It was based on a variant of the Greek ''theoxenias'', and was considered an appropriately "greek" form of rite for some Roman goddesses thoug ...
* Religion in ancient Rome * Glossary of ancient Roman religion


References

Ancient Roman festivals September observances November observances Religious festivals in Italy Festivals of Zeus Jupiter (mythology) {{ancientRome-stub