acclamatio

In Ancient Roman and Byzantine tradition, acclamatio (Koiné aktologia) was the public expression of approbation or disapprobation, pleasure or displeasure, etc., by loud acclamations. On many occasions, there appear to have been certain forms of acclamations always used by the Romans; as, for instance, at marriages, ', ', or '; at triumphs, '; at the conclusion of plays the last actor called out ' to the spectators; orators were usually praised by such expressions as ', ', ', etc.

Under the Roman Empire, the name of '' was given to the praises and flatteries which the senate bestowed upon the emperor and his family. These , which are frequently quoted by the Scriptores Historiae Augustae'', were often of considerable length, and seem to have been chanted by the whole body of senators. Acclamations were also means of political expression and participation, especially in cities. While formulaic, they could play a powerful role in late antique governance.