Adventus (ceremony)

'escort') was a ceremony held to celebrate the arrival (Latin: adventus) at a city of a Roman emperor or other dignitaries.

[1] For an emperor, especially one having newly acceded or usurped power, celebrating an adventus confirmed the legitimacy of the ruler, demonstrating the consent (Latin: consensus) of the governed city's people, and the events were reproduced and symbolized in imperial iconography and art.

[1][2] From the time of Constantine the Great's (r. 306–337) arrival in Rome after defeating his rival Augustus Maxentius (r. 306–312) at the Battle of the Milvian Bridge, the adventus ceremonies of the emperors took on characteristics of the Roman triumph and were associated with the triumphal entry into Jerusalem by Jesus of Nazareth described in the gospels of the New Testament.

[2] The delivery of panegyric in honour of the occasion and in praise of the arrival was an enduring fixture, as were acclamations, hymns, poetry, music, lights, decorations and incense.

[2] For comparable ceremonies in Medieval and Early Modern Europe, sometimes employing consciously 'Roman' iconology, see royal entry.