Travel with Rick Steves · Saturday, September 12, 2026
Philip Barlag describes the spectacle of Roman military parades, where conquering generals would march enemies and their effigies through the city. These events often included feasts and distribution of goods to the citizens, fostering civic pride.
“Soldiers, arm soldiers were not allowed in ancient Rome. They were expressly prohibited. There was one exception is if the Senate, the governing body, granted a conquering general a ceremonial parade.”
“If he'd killed his enemies, they would put up floats with their effigies so that the citizens could still boo the image of the vanquished foe.”
“And the general, to prove their success, their prowess, and to demonstrate their largesse, would throw big feasts and toss treats to the crowd.”