Saturnalia Explained

The video explores Saturnalia, a Roman festival honoring Saturn, characterized by social role reversals and festivities. It discusses the festival's historical variations, sources, and its potential influence on Christmas. The video examines theories on the December 25 date for Christmas, including the Christianization and calculation theories, highlighting the lack of direct evidence for the former. It concludes with the idea of religious syncretism and competition around the winter solstice.

How did the perspectives of different Roman authors shape our understanding of Saturnalia?

What was the role of the 'king of Saturnalia' game during the festival?

What evidence exists regarding the connection between Saturnalia and the date of Christmas?

In what ways did the celebration of Saturnalia differ from modern Christmas traditions?