State Gods
Publié le 22/02/2012
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Roman As the city of Rome grew
into a regional power and then into the center of
a vast empire, rulers and members of the Senate
brought into the culture gods and goddesses to protect
society. Often these deities had been honored and
worshipped first in the home, but rulers saw for them
roles they could play in society. Many of these deities
were originally influential in the cultures of Central
Italy, such as Latium and Etruria. By broadening
the scope of the deities's influence from the family to
society, the rulers, and eventually the citizens, believed
they would be protected in all walks of life.
These state gods included the major pantheon of
Roman gods. They also included lesser known gods
and goddesses who influenced a citizen's responsibility
to the state or government, to Rome's ability in
warfare and success at conquering enemies, and to
the physical city itself.
First among the gods and goddess who protected
all of Rome and its power was Quirinus, who represented
the good citizen and a person's responsibility
to society. The goddess Pietas, whose name means
devotion, represented duty to the family and to the
state of Rome. Fides was the goddess who helped
citizens remain trustworthy and faithful to Rome.
Securitas was the goddess who, as her name suggests,
protected the state. Eventually, the people of Rome
adopted a goddess named Roma who represented the
very essence of Rome itself.
Some divine beings watched over the physical
aspects of life in Rome. Cloacina, for example, protected
the great sewers of Rome, and Stata Mater
protected the city from fire. The goddess Vesta
watched over communal hearths in cities across the
Roman Empire and kept their fires burning, and
Janus protected the gates of cities across the empire.
Mars was the greatest of the war gods by the
time of the Roman Empire, which began in the
first century b.c. He was supported in his work by a retinue of goddesses, who were themselves called
upon by Roman soldiers of all ranks for protection
and success. Bellona, a frequent companion of Mars,
brought a warlike spirit and enthusiasm to hearts
of soldiers. Virtus gave soldiers courage and skill.
To Lua and Nerio soldiers dedicated the weapons
captured from their enemy, often burning those
weapons as a sign to the goddesses that the soldiers
appreciated their help and desired more help as they
continued their conquests. The goddess Victoria,
who may also have been called by the name Vica
Pota, represented victory over the enemy.
In commerce as well as in patriotism and warfare,
Romans had special gods that they called upon for
help. This aspect of their public lives was influenced
by their principle gods and gods of specific tasks.
Mercury oversaw merchants, and Minerva was the
patroness of craftsmen and manufacturers. The goddess
Felicitas brought success to all in business, and
the Dei Lucrii, a group of early gods, ensured profit
and good trade. Aequitas helped merchants to be
honest and fair in their dealings with customers.
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