Juno

Juno (Iuno) Roman An old goddess among the Roman people who became one of the principal deities of ancient Rome. In her earliest traditions, Juno was a goddess of the Moon and seen as the queen of the heavens. She was very important to women and protected them during childbirth. Married and unmarried women celebrated her great festival, the Matronalia, on March 1. Juno developed great status in Roman society and, with Jupiter and Minerva, became part of the supreme trio of the state religions. (Juno and Minerva replaced Mars and Quirinus, who were part of an older supreme trio with Jupiter.) In 509 b.c., the people of Rome dedicated a great temple to Jupiter, Juno, and Minerva on the Capitoline Hill. As the empire grew, people built temples to them throughout the conquered territories. Juno developed great cult status in Rome. Her name is joined with a variety of titles that show her special functions in society. Juno Lucina was the bringer of light. Juno Moneta was the goddess of helpful counsel to whom the Romans dedicated a mint; the word money comes from this name for Juno. Rome's leaders turned to her to support their wars and to help them on diplomatic missions. Juno accompanied colonists as they moved into new lands behind the Roman armies. The month of June is named after Juno.