guidoLaMoto Posted 2 hours ago Report Share Posted 2 hours ago The Romans celebrated the Equus October festival on the Ides (15th) of October each year. It was first mentioned in writings from the 4th century BC, but probably dates back to the kingdom days, and probably an extension of Etruscan customs.....It was celebrated at least into the late 4th century AD. The date corresponds to the end of the annual "war season" each fall, and is dedicated to Mars... ...a hose race with birigae (2 horse teams) was held on the Campus Martius, the winning lead horse was then ceremoniously sacrificed. It's head and tail removed. ....Then a street fight between residents of the Suburra bdistrict and the Sacra Via district was held, the winner being awarded the head and the loser the tail. The head was then displayed on an altar, while the tail was hurried to the Temple of Vesta so the fresh blood could be dripped onto the eternal Flame. The blood from the head was also held for rituals at the Parilla festival in April- birthday of Rome- suggesting Equus October is also a commemoration of Rome's origins in connection with the famous Trojan Horse. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/October_Horse Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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