Robert Hale, 1962

For more than a thousand years the Romans after their victories led their prisoners through the Forum. Vast and tumultuous processions were formed in honour of the victor, who wore a garment on which the sun and moon and all the stars were depicted to show his universal power, and whose face was painted red to show that he was above all ordinary mortals and close to the gods. Payne tells the story of the Roman triumph in humen terms, tracing its origins and its links with modern times, but most of all portraying the very human and impulsive people who took part in the procession...