Festrituale in der römischen Kaiserzeit

Ancient festivals served to promote religious communication beyond the boundaries of political or religious communities. It was in these festivals that religious communication was intensified and practised extensively. Permanent religious signs - sanctuaries, statues, religious roles - were highlighted and adapted for at least one festival each year. Due to the dramaturgy of the festivals, many of the people concerned became actors, and even more became part of the audience. Games, theatrical performances and processions in particular attracted many local people as well as those from outside the city. Professional actors, athletes and orators introduced new practices and established new standards. The competition between cities and their elites was the driving force behind many innovations and the development of new festivals.