Decennalia

Decennalia or Decennia, meaning "10th Anniversary" in Latin, were special festivals held by the Ancient Roman emperors. These celebrations took place every ten years and included games and public events.

The idea for Decennalia started when Augustus, in 27 BC, agreed to lead but only for ten years instead of for life. During these festivals, he would give up his power to the people temporarily. They would then happily give it back to him. Later emperors kept this tradition, even though they ruled for life, to remember this moment.

During Decennalia, people made special promises called vota decennalia for the success and long life of the empire and the emperor. Coins made at this time had special words like VOTA SUSCEPTA DECENNALIA to show these promises. These ceremonies were important marks of time in the empire.

Other similar celebrations included Quinquennalia every five years, Vicennalia every twenty years, and even a tricennalia for the 30th year of rule, as seen during the time of Constantine the Great.

Decennalia base

Further information: Five-Columns Monument

A Five-Columns Monument was built behind the Rostra in the early 4th century. It was dedicated when the emperor Diocletian visited Rome in 303. This was one of the first big monuments put up in the Roman Forum after the time of Septimius Severus. It marked the celebration of the tenth year of the Tetrarchy, a way of ruling where four emperors shared power. The Tetrarchy was started by Diocletian around 293 CE and lasted until 313.

In 1547, a marble pedestal was found near the Via Sacra. On it were two winged figures holding a shield with the words "Happy Tenth Anniversary of the Caesars." The other side showed a sheep, a bull, and a pig, which were animals often used in special ceremonies. Another part of the monument showed senators walking, and on yet another side, a winged figure was shown placing a crown on Caesar.

Other significant ancient Roman holidays

Some other important holidays in ancient Rome include:

• Lupercalia – an old celebration held in Rome on February 15th
• Parilia – another ancient Roman festival
• Saturnalia – a Roman festival held in December