I. Preface and general remarks
The Roman ludi (ludus: ‘game’) were festivals with a more or less strongly defined religious character. In so far as they were public, they were held on the occasion of celebrations of the Roman people, and the entire citizenry was invited to them (Cic. Har. resp. 26). Aside from the public games, there were private ones (organized by private persons), especially the ludi Funebres (funeral games), w…