A convenient deity invented by the ancients as an excuse for getting drunk.

Ambrose Bierce, "The Devil's Dictionary"

The Roman god of wine and intoxication, equated with the Greek Dionysus. His festival was celebrated on March 16 and 17. The Bacchanalia, orgies in honor of Dionysus, were introduced in Rome around 200 BC. These infamous celebrations, notorious for their sexual and criminal character, got so out of hand that they were forbidden by the Roman Senate in 186 BC. Bacchus is also identified with the old-Italian god Liber.