The Bona Dea Scandal (December 62 BC)

Clodius exposed at the festival of the Good Goddess (62 BC), Flemish tapestry after Justus van Egmont, 17th century

In December 62 BC the festival of the Good Goddess, from which men were excluded, was held in Caesar’s house. Publius Clodius disguised himself as a female lyre player and entered. His voice gave him away. Aurelia broke off the ceremony. Caesar divorced Pompeia, and at the trial testified that he knew nothing. Clodius was acquitted.

Sources

  • Image: Justus van Egmont, 17th century, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 4.0

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