Decennalia

Decennalia or Decennia, meaning "10th Anniversary" in Latin, were special festivals held by the Ancient Roman emperors every ten years.

These celebrations included games and were linked to a promise made by the emperor Augustus in 27 BC. Augustus had agreed to lead only if his power was renewed every ten years, and the people returned his authority each time.

During these festivals, the people made promises called vota decennalia for the success of the emperor's rule. Special coins were made to mark these promises. Later emperors continued this tradition.

Other anniversary celebrations existed too. Quinquennalia were held every five years, Vicennalia every twenty years, and tricennalia celebrated a ruler's thirtieth year in power, like the one for Constantine the Great. These events helped strengthen the bond between the emperor and the people.

Decennalia base

Further information: Five-Columns Monument

A special stone monument called the Five-Columns Monument was built behind the Rostra in the early 300s. It was finished when a leader named Diocletian visited Rome in 303. This was an important monument in the Roman Forum, built to celebrate an important event called the Tetrarchy.

Later, in 1547, people found a marble base near a special road called the Via Sacra. On it, there were carvings of winged figures holding a shield with words that meant "Happy Tenth Anniversary of the Caesars." The base also showed animals and pictures of important Roman leaders.

Other significant ancient Roman holidays

Some other important holidays in ancient Rome include:

• Lupercalia – An old celebration held in Rome on February 15th
• Parilia – A festival in ancient Rome
• Saturnalia – A festival held in December in ancient Rome