This date is significant, as it suggests that Saulos and Gadalias were conducting their subversive activities on the eve of a ...

But even before all of that, it turns out that the ancient Romans — who weren’t exactly known for their sobriety — attempted to control wild Purim parties as early as the year 408.

Ritualized, public violence had been a favorite entertainment of the Romans for centuries ... Finally, the Bestiarii fought wild animals. The games were so popular that successful gladiators ...