"Agonium" redirects here. For the genus of beetles, see Agonum.
Agonalia
Also called
Agonia
Observed by
Roman Republic, Roman Empire
Type
Classical Roman religion
Observances
animal sacrifice
Date
January 9 May 21 December 11
Frequency
thrice per year
An Agonalia or Agonia was an obscure archaic religious observance celebrated in ancient Rome several times a year, in honor of various divinities. Its institution, like that of other religious rites and ceremonies, was attributed to Numa Pompilius, the semi-legendary second king of Rome. Ancient calendars indicate that it was celebrated regularly on January 9, May 21, and December 11.
A festival called Agonia or Agonium Martiale, in honor of Mars, was celebrated March 17, the same day as the Liberalia, during a prolonged "war festival" that marked the beginning of the season for military campaigning and agriculture.[1]
^Hendrik Wagenvoort, "On the Magical Significance of the Tail," in Pietas: Selected Studies in Roman Religion (Brill, 1980), p. 148; John Scheid, An Introduction to Roman Religion (Indiana University Press, 2003), p. 51.
An Agonalia or Agonia was an obscure archaic religious observance celebrated in ancient Rome several times a year, in honor of various divinities. Its...
the Velian Hill 9: Agonalia in honor of Janus, after whom the month January is named; first of at least four festivals named Agonalia throughout the year...
calendar, but December retained its name. In Ancient Rome, as one of the four Agonalia, this day in honour of Sol Indiges was held on December 11, as was Septimontium...
include Cervula and Juvenalia, celebrated January 1, as well as one of three Agonalia, celebrated January 9, and Carmentalia, celebrated January 11. These dates...
the festival of Bona Dea fell on May 1, Argei fell on May 14 or May 15, Agonalia fell on May 21, and Ambarvalia on May 29. Floralia was held April 27 during...
(after the mid-1st century AD) 20 XIII Kal. Iun. C 21 XII Kal. Iun. NP • AGONALIA for Vediovis 22 XI Kal. Iun. N 23 X Kal. Iun. NP • TUBILUSTRIUM • Feriae...
Janus (after late-1st century AD): 122 8 VI Id. Ian. C 9 V Id. Ian. NP • AGONALIA for Janus at the Regia 10 IV Id. Ian. EN 11 III Id. Ian. NP • CARMENTALIA...
and on Johannes Lydus de Mensibus IV 155: ... Agonalia daphneephorooi kai genarcheeei Heliooi ...: Agonalia for the laurel bearer and primaeval ancestor...
who presides over all kinds of solemn contests (ἀγῶνες), such as the Agonalia. Classical scholar William Warde Fowler thought it likely the deity or...
feria on the Kalends of March (a day sacred also to his mother Juno), Agonalia 17 March, Tubilustrium 23 March, the ritual of the October Horse 15 October...
used as a term for festivals involving competitive sports; compare Latin Agonalia festivals in honor of Janus in Rome held in January, March, May and December...
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