Conclusion

Triumphs were a significant theme in the lives of ancient, medieval, and Renaissance peoples. Although they took on different forms, such as occurred with the spread of Christianity and the domestication of victory in weddings, these celebrations continued to affect perceptions of others who had triumphed in some way. Ultimately, triumphs are a status symbol--they represent that an individual did something important. Whether this symbolism is used to sustain imperial power, remind an empire of its great leaders, or generate enthusiasm for a world in the distant past, it is clear that the concept affected a wide group of people. This may just be why Triumph itself had triumphed through the ages.