ludi palatini

LUDI PALATI´NIAfter Augustus died, Livia and Tiberius had dedicated an altar to the Numen of Augustus (Plin. Nat.12.94). We know from the Fasti Praenestini (in C. I. L. 1. p. 312; cf. p. 385) that on January 17 the Pontiffs, Augurs, Quindecimviri, and Septemviri sacrificed victims on this altar. On Jan. 21, 22, and 23, theatrical exhibitions were held in a private theatre erected in front of the palace. These exhibitions were strictly private, and only the highest nobles and their families invited (Dio Cass., 59.16; J. AJ, 11; Tac. Ann. 1.73). In the year Caligula was murdered there was just for that year an extra day added, viz. Jan. 24 (ix. Kal. Febr.): cf. Suet. Cal. 56, 58; Dio Cass.; Joseph. l. c. In the Calendar of Philocalus (354 A.D.) the 23rd was removed and the 17th to 19th added (C. I. L. i. pp. 334 and 385).