The Triumphal Procession

The triumphal procession paraded through the streets of Rome barbarian captives, representations of conquered cities, peoples, rivers, and mountains – a striking vision of the world that Rome had conquered. Most spectacular of all was the Roman triumph, awarded to celebrate an important military victory and welcome home the returning general and troops. It was a magnificent display of Roman martial power, the glory of war, and the splendid rewards for victory. The spoils of war at the head of the triumphal procession were the fulfillment of the general's vow to Jupiter, promising these spoils before he embarked on his campaign. In source tradition, the culmination of the procession was the appearance of the triumphing general in his chariot drawn by four horses. The triumphal procession created an otherworldly visual experience for the spectators, in which they saw the foreign, the exotic, and the mythical, parade before their eyes.