Triumph

Vivid display of Roman love for nobility.

Beginnings

 * originally way of purifying troops against war sacrifice of enemy & thanking gods for support

Changes through Punic Wars

 * become opportunity to glorify general and his achievements
 * become more elaborate; involved marching captured slaves, treasures, and booty
 * was awarded by Senate
 * used to motivate generals to cooperate with Senate
 * general with troops couldn't reenter city unless he was awarded a triumph; it was illegal to cross the pomerium (he would have to give up his command to reenter, and forfeit possible triumph)

Description of
was a large procession that grew quite elaborate, included
 * captured enemies paraded as defeated, mocked
 * booty, treasures, paintings of battle
 * general would be dressed in purple and gold pulled by 4 horse chariot; in the guise of Jupiter
 * ​limited; people and troops were permitted to curse the general ("bring him down to earth")