ancient Roman festivals, celebrated by the emperors every tenth year of their reign, with sacrifices, games, and largesses 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 all his authority into the hands of the people, who, filled with joy, and charmed with the goodness of Augustus, immediately delivered it to him again, as it was no doubt expected that they should.