 From c.175 BC, Cerealia included "ludi scaenici" (theatrical religious events) through April 12 to 18.In the ancient "sacrum cereale" a priest, probably the Flamen Cerialis, invoked Ceres (and probably Tellus) along with twelve specialised, minor assistant-gods to secure divine help and protection at each stage of the grain cycle, beginning shortly before the Feriae Sementivae.W.H.