Instant Classics Who's Afraid of Lupercalia?
Feb 19, 2026
They unpack the wild Roman festival of Lupercalia, from naked processions and goat sacrifices to thonged whipping. They trace its links to Romulus, Shakespeare’s Julius Caesar scene, and how leaders like Caesar and Augustus reshaped the rites. They also explore why rituals resist neat explanations and how this ancient festival persisted into the Christian era.
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Shakespeare's Lupercalia Moment
- Shakespeare stages a Lupercalia scene in Julius Caesar with Mark Antony as one of the naked runners.
- The episode links this scene to Plutarch's account and contemporary Roman reports to show it likely occurred around 44 BC.
Ritual Actions And Starting Place
- Lupercalia involved naked young men running from a cave, sacrificing a goat, cutting its skin into thongs and whipping people for fertility.
- The ritual began at the cave linked to Romulus and Remus and included blood-milk rites and possible dog sacrifice.
Caesar, Augustus And Festival Changes
- Julius Caesar reportedly added an extra team of Luperci named Giuliani after his family.
- Augustus later regulated the festival, banning pre-pubescent boys from participation.
