One Holiday Turned Rome Upside Down
People in ancient Rome loved nothing more than letting their hair down. Parties were usually just for the wealthy, but on one special occasion, businesses and law courts were closed so that everyone could take part.
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Saturnalia, the festival honoring Saturn, originally took place on one day, December 17, but over the centuries the festivities grew to last a whole week. During Saturnalia, social norms were overturned, and roles were temporarily reversed, with masters serving their slaves, and slaves being allowed liberties and treated as equals. The festival was seen as a time of joy and freedom from the usual restraints of Roman society.
