Before 220 BC, the only annual games in Rome were the votive games in honor of Jupiter Optimus Maximus. Originally held September 13, the festival gradually expanded to cover half the month: September 5-19.
Let the Games Begin!
Higgledy-Piggledy Ludi Romani were
Games held to honor the
Best and Most High;
Up on the Capitol,
Omni-presidingly,
Jupiter watched from his
Box in the sky.