festival
Ludi Megalenses
Megalesia
also: Megalesia, Megalenses, Ludi Megalenses, Megalensibus
The festival of the Magna Mater (Cybele), held 4-10 April, presided over by the curule aediles; it featured ludi scaenici (theatrical performances) and was one of the most prestigious of the Roman public games. Cicero dates Fam. 2.11 to the first day of the Megalesia (4 April 50 BC).
Reading notes
- Ad Familiares 2.11 §2 I am writing this on the day of the Megalesia itself
The Megalesia (Ludi Megalenses) was a festival held 4--10 April in honour of the Magna Mater (Cybele), whose temple stood on the Palatine; the curule aediles presided over its games. Cicero's mention places this letter precisely on 4 April 50 BC.