There was a discussion in the last chat as to what prompted the suppression of the Bacchic Cult in 186 BCE in Rome, as described by Livy in Book XXXIX.8.ff. I list some related links in the comments below.
I browsed through my library and found Eric Gruen's Culture and National Identity in Republican Rome. In the chapter "The Appeal of Hellas" on Page 258 he briefly addresses the issue. In Gruen's opinion, it was a manipulation by the Senate 'to reaffirm and entrench public control over religion.' He emphasizes the fact that it was 'high drama,' but that thereafter the cult was not totally forbidden: exceptions were allowed as long as permission by the authorities was sought.
Further comments are greatly appreciated.
