ancient Roman festivals, celebrated by the emperors every tenth year of their reign, with sacrifices, games, and large feasts for the people. The emperor Augustus first instituted these solemnities, in which he was imitated by his successors. At the same time the people offered up vows for the emperor, and for the perpetuity of the empire; which were therefore called vota decennalia. Augustus's view in establishing the decennalia was to preserve the empire and the sovereign power without offence or restraint to the people. For during the celebration of this feast, that prince used to surrender up all his authority into the hands of the people; who filled with joy, and charmed with the goodness of Augustus, immediately delivered it him back again.