The Triumph Ceremony of Ancient Rome

When we talk about a “triumph,” we first think of the famous Arch of Triumph in Italy. However, a thousand years ago in ancient Rome, a “triumph” was a nationwide event. 

A triumph was a celebratory ceremony granted to a general who had achieved a major victory. It was the greatest and most popular honor a Roman could receive. The procession during a triumph was typically very long, with the following order: members of the Senate, trumpeters, carts loaded with spoils of war, white bulls for sacrifice, weapons and emblems of the conquered leaders, the conquered leaders and their families, other prisoners of war, the triumphant general’s retinue, the triumphant general himself standing in a chariot, the general’s adult sons and his lieutenants, legates, military tribunes, cavalry commanders, and finally, the general’s soldiers. The cultural background, classifications, rules, and political role of the triumph all held immense significance for ancient Rome, its rulers, soldiers, and citizens.

[2 Corinthians 2:14-16] “But thanks be to God, who in Christ always leads us in triumphal procession, and through us spreads the fragrance of the knowledge of him everywhere. For we are the aroma of Christ to God among those who are being saved and among those who are perishing, to one a fragrance from death to death, to the other a fragrance from life to life. Who is sufficient for these things?”

In the Roman Empire, a general returning in triumph would lead his victorious soldiers and captives into the city in a “triumphal procession” for the citizens to see. During the procession, Roman priests would carry lit censers, swinging them as they walked, releasing a “fragrance” that everyone present could smell. This “fragrance” represented the joy of victory for the triumphant general, his soldiers, and the cheering crowds. However, for the captives, it signified impending enslavement or execution (2 Corinthians 2:14).

Image: An ancient Roman triumph ceremony.