State Gods - Mythology.

State Gods - Mythology. 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 The marble statue known as the Sphinx of Naxos, which dates back to 560 B.C., was a gift from the island nation to the temple at Delphi in Greece. The half woman/half lion stands on the top of a column and now fills a room in the Delphi Museum in Greece. (Photo by Fingalo. Used under a Creative Commons License.) State Gods 135 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.