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GCSE Classics · key term
The Roman god associated with sowing and seed, believed to have ruled during the Golden Age.
Used by OCR
Paper 1
Revise: RomeThe Saturnalia honoured Saturn, the god of sowing and seed. It began on 17 December and, at its longest, celebrations continued until 23 December. Its duration changed over time; under Augustus the official holiday was reduced to three days.
Keep the officials distinct: the Luperci conducted the Lupercalia; priests from Saturn’s temple conducted the Saturnalia, while the Senate funded its public feast.
Explain how a ritual suited its purpose: the Lupercalia’s leather strips were believed to convey fertility, while Saturnalia’s role-reversals recalled Saturn’s Golden Age.
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