Gender, Sex, and Politics: The Roman Bacchanalia Scandal of 186 BCE

Bacchanalia was a mysterious cult devoted to the Roman god, Bacchus (or Dionysus for the Greeks), and was thought to be brought to Rome around 200 BCE. This cult was originally exclusive to women, in which Bacchae priestesses would gather and perform sacred, private rituals. Later, the cult was opened to men and was not exclusive to age or class, as well. Rumors grew that Bacchanalia promoted sexual promiscuity, crime, violence, and occult practices, and eventually, in 186 BCE, the cult was put to an end. The Roman government intervened with the Bacchus cult and placed severe limitations on its practice, particularly in groups, with the costly price of the death penalty. This opinion, that the Bacchae was dangerous, both in practice and ideology, was the popular census among historians. This was mainly in part to the Roman historian Livy’s recollection of the events, though they took place some 200 years later. However, scholars today debate the legitimacy of these claims, proposing that there are other reasons why the Roman government would find the cult a threat. Perhaps it was a way for the Senate to find control over the domestic lives of its citizens. Or even to further enforce their beliefs of gender roles and family. This project will provide a summary and analysis of the Bacchanalia Scandal and how Rome’s social, gender, and cultural identity was shaped as a result.