Adventus ceremony in Rome during the last decades of the Western Roman Empire (440–476)

The reasons why the rulers of the Western Roman Empire stayed in Rome rather than in Ravenna between 400 and 476 are identified. In the 5th century, Rome played a major role in the representation of imperial power because of its great symbolic importance. It had a well-developed infrastructure and was a stage for imperial grandeur. The wealthy and influential senatorial aristocracy living here had a significant impact on the region’s internal affairs. The city’s symbolic role and concentration of elites made it a natural setting for the adventus ritual, which was a triumphal entry of the ruler into the city celebrated with cheers from residents and attended by prominent local figures. Contrary to the widespread opinion in historiography that adventus declined in the West after 404, the results obtained reveal that the ritual was held throughout the 5th century and even in the Middle Ages. Adventus symbolized the unity of the Roman ruler and the senatorial aristocracy. The aristocracy tried to reinforce its legitimacy and joined the celebration for promotion, while the emperor exploited the ceremony to show that he was supported among various social groups of the population. Only Rome, with its higher status as the capital of the empire and the residence of many influential and wealthy figures, could sustain the illusion of greatness and prosperity under the conditions of decline.