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December 25 as the Nativity of Jesus occurs in a section of the Chronography of AD 354 known as the Calendar of Philocalus, which, even by this late date, still identified December 17 as ludi Saturnalia
December 25 as the Nativity of Jesus occurs in a section of the Chronography of AD 354 known as the Calendar of Philocalus, which, even by this late date, still identified December 17 as ludi Saturnalia
reference
Half a century later, when Macrobius ______ the Saturnalia, he placed the celebration in the house of Vettius Agorius Praetextatus, a pagan aristocrat who once had served as praetorian prefect during the reign of Valentinian II and been consul designate before his death
Half a century later, when Macrobius ______ the Saturnalia, he placed the celebration in the house of Vettius Agorius Praetextatus, a pagan aristocrat who once had served as praetorian prefect during the reign of Valentinian II and been consul designate before his death
wrote
A correspondent of Symmachus (Letters, I.44-55), he was ______ by the historian Ammianus Marcellinus as 'a senator of noble character and old-time dignity' (Roman History, XXII.7.6.), an honest and upright man who, 'although he did nothing to gain favour, yet everything that he did was looked upon with favour' (XXVII.9.8-10)
A correspondent of Symmachus (Letters, I.44-55), he was ______ by the historian Ammianus Marcellinus as 'a senator of noble character and old-time dignity' (Roman History, XXII.7.6.), an honest and upright man who, 'although he did nothing to gain favour, yet everything that he did was looked upon with favour' (XXVII.9.8-10)
characterized
When Praetextatus ______ in AD 384, his death was scornfully dismissed by Jerome (the translator of the Latin Vulgate)
When Praetextatus ______ in AD 384, his death was scornfully dismissed by Jerome (the translator of the Latin Vulgate)
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'A few days ago the highest dignitaries of the city ______ before him as he ascended the ramparts of the capitol like a general celebrating a triumph; the Roman people leapt up to welcome and applaud him, and at the news of his death the whole city was moved
'A few days ago the highest dignitaries of the city ______ before him as he ascended the ramparts of the capitol like a general celebrating a triumph; the Roman people leapt up to welcome and applaud him, and at the news of his death the whole city was moved
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Now he is ______ and naked, a prisoner in the foulest darkness, and not, as his unhappy wife falsely asserts, set in the royal abode of the milky way' (Letters, XXIII.3)
Now he is ______ and naked, a prisoner in the foulest darkness, and not, as his unhappy wife falsely asserts, set in the royal abode of the milky way' (Letters, XXIII.3)
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Study Notes
The Nativity of Jesus
- December 25 is recognized as the Nativity of Jesus in the Chronography of AD 354, specifically within the Calendar of Philocalus.
- Even by this period, December 17 was still celebrated as ludi Saturnalia, indicating the persistence of pagan traditions.
Vettius Agorius Praetextatus
- Celebrated in Macrobius' account of Saturnalia, he was a notable pagan aristocrat and served as praetorian prefect during Valentinian II's reign.
- Praetextatus was chosen as consul designate before his death, highlighting his prominent status in Roman society.
- He was a correspondent of Symmachus and recognized for his noble character and dignity by historian Ammianus Marcellinus.
Reputation and Character
- Ammianus Marcellinus described Praetextatus as an honest and upright man who, despite not pursuing favor, earned respect among his peers.
- His actions were generally viewed positively, marking him as a figure of integrity in a politically turbulent period.
Death and Legacy
- Upon Praetextatus' death in AD 384, Jerome dismissed the significance of the event, showcasing contrasting perspectives on his legacy.
- Jerome depicted his final moments, noting the contrast between his earlier triumphal status and his eventual death, calling it a transformation from honored dignitary to a mere prisoner of darkness.
- He critiqued the exaggerated claims of his widow about his posthumous status, underlining the volatility of public perception in life and death.
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Description
Test your knowledge of ancient Roman festivals and their influence on the modern holiday season with this quiz. Explore the origins of December 25 as the Nativity of Jesus and the connection to the pagan celebration of Saturnalia. Discover how historical texts like the Chronography of AD 354 and the Saturnalia by Macrobius provide insights into the cultural context of these festivities.
