A Triumphal Procession

Two thousand years ago, triumphal processions were massively popular. It was, in all likelihood, the only chance most people would have to see the leaders and heroes of the day.

For the Romans they took the form of a ritualistic event known as the Triumph. Triumphs were given only in special circumstances, usually when a general, or later, an emperor, had achieved a massive military victory. These processions had to be approved by the Senate before they could take place. Over time, these triumphs became more and more stylized and each became bigger and bigger.

They would usually…