The Very First Triumphal Procession.

Continues from "The Very First Known Roman 'Crucifixion'", here.

Found on pages 156-7 of Rome, Day One is Plutarch's Romulus 16,4-5:

⁴ Romulus, that he might perform his vow in the most acceptable manner to Jupiter, and withal make a pomp of it delightful to the eye of the city, cut down a tall oak which he saw growing in the camp, which he trimmed to the shape of a trophy, and fastened on it Acron's whole suit of armor disposed of in proper form; then he himself, girding his clothes about him, and crowning his head with a laurel garland, his hair gracefully flowing, ⁵ carried the trophy resting erect upon his right shoulder, and so marched on, singing songs of triumph, and his whole army following after, the citizens all receiving him with acclamations of joy and wonder. The procession of this day was the origin and model of all after triumphs.

Of course, I shouldn't have to remind you that the Greek for trophy is τρόπαιον, and the Latin, tropaeum.

And here is a fresco painting in Pompeii of Romulus carrying a tropaeum.

Source: University of Texas.

 

And here is a carved depiction of Jesus, carrying a tropaeum.  Which, of course, is a cross.  Note the close similarity between the two.

Ivory plaque with Pilate Washing His Hands, Christ Bearing the Cross, and Peter Denying Christ, Rome, c. 420-30, from the Maskell ivories. The Trustees of the British Museum, London
Source: Art Blog by Bob.

 

And at the end of the carrying of the Cross, or tropaeum, Jesus is nailed to it as a god. Just like the wax image of Julius Caesar.

Ivory Plaque with Judas Hanging Himself, Jesus Crucified, and the Centurion Longinus Stabbing Jesus' Side; Rome, c. 420-30, from the Maxwell ivories. The Trustees of the British Museum, London.
Source: The British Museum website.

Earlier I had posted on this blog an article demonstrating that Jesus' being led to Golgotha was based on none other than a typical Roman Triumph. Said dependence still stands.
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Any questions, Christians?