LUDI TAU´RII
LUDI TAU´RII were of a similar nature, and due to a
somewhat similar origin as the Ludi Saeculares. They were instituted to the
gods of the lower world, according to Festus (s. v.
Taurii,
p. 350 M. The absurd interpretation given by Varro on p. 351 may be
discarded), in the reign of Tarquinius Superbus, when a great pestilence
fell on pregnant women, owing to the sale of bulls' flesh among the people.
Other interpretations of the name are that it is from
taura or
taurea, a barren cow,
which was sacrificed to Proserpina, or that the games were instituted by the
Sabines that a pestilence which had attacked them might be turned on the
bulls which they sacrificed (Serv. on
Verg. A.
2.140). At these games there was a chariot-race in the circus
(Varro,
L. L. 5.154). We hear of their being celebrated
religionis causa for two days in 186 B.C.
(
Liv. 39.22,
1).
[
L.C.P]
