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For a much longer general article on the Roman chariot, see CURRUS.

 p919  Pilentum

Article by James Yates, M.A., F.R.S.,
on p919 of

William Smith, D.C.L., LL.D.:
A Dictionary of Greek and Roman Antiquities, John Murray, London, 1875.

PILENTUM, a splendid four-wheeled carriage, furnished with soft cushions, which conveyed the Roman matrons in sacred processions, and in going to the Circensian and other games (Virg. Aen. VIII.666; Hor. Epist. II.1.192; Claudian, De Nupt. Honor. 286;º Isid. Orig. XX.12). This distinction was granted to them by the Senate on account of their generosity in giving their gold and jewels on a particular occasion for the service of the state (Liv. V.25). The Vestal virgins were conveyed in the same manner (Prudentius contra Sym. II. sub fin.). The pilentum was probably very like the Harmamaxa and Carpentum, but open at the sides, so that those who sat in it might both see and be seen.


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Page updated: 19 Jan 04