Triumphans Romam redit. Rom als Bühne für eine kommemorative Prozession

Abstract

The present study asks for the meaning of the Roman triumph within the concepts of performance and ritual in relation to space in Rome. In this context, the Roman triumph can be regarded as a commemoration ceremony to celebrate the Iron Age origin of Rome and its superelevation in myths. Within society, it therefore can establish identity and affiliation. However, I additionally demonstrate that - within the traditional route of the procession - there existed space for deviations. The Roman triumph offered the opportunity for innovations and changes of lesser extent at specific parts of the route, which may be regarded as a form of individualisation and commemoration.