Armilustrium
The Armilustrium was a festival celebrated on 19th October in honor of Mars, the god of war. The festival was a time to purify the weapons of the Roman soldiers and prepare them for the upcoming winter.
Date: 19th October
Deity: Mars
Observances: Ritual purification of weapons
The Armilustrium included a military review in the Circus Maximus, where the soldiers would be assembled and adorned with garlands. Trumpets would be played as part of the purification rites. The festival may have also involved a procession to the Aventine Hill, where the Salii, dancing priests of Mars, would perform rituals.
The Armilustrium was one of several festivals associated with Mars, reflecting the importance of the god in Roman culture. These festivals were held throughout the year, but were particularly concentrated in March and October, the beginning and end of the military campaigning season.
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