The Roman world was brimming with gods and goddesses beyond the well-known figures like Jupiter, Mars, and Venus. These lesser-known deities played crucial roles in everyday life, governing everything from household affairs to natural phenomena. Let’s explore ten surprising Roman gods you’ve likely never encountered.
Mutunus Tutunus
Meet Mutunus Tutunus, a Roman god solely represented by an enormous penis. Revered for fertility and virility, his temple on the Velian Hill hosted a unique ritual where brides-to-be would straddle his statue to bless their marriage with fecundity. Early archaeologists in Pompeii were shocked to discover the prevalence of phallic imagery, highlighting the significance of this cult.
Lares
The Lares were household gods, protectors of the Roman home and family. Represented by small statues in a family shrine, they received daily offerings and were included in family meals to ensure continued safety. Some believe the Lares originated from ancestor worship, with the spirits of the dead watching over the living. Moving homes? The Lares moved with you, ensuring unbroken protection.
Liber
Liber was the god of freedom, wine, and male fertility, particularly revered by the plebeian class. During the raucous Leberalia festival, a large phallus was paraded through the streets accompanied by riotous songs. This festival celebrated not only human fertility but also the fertility of the land. Young boys, upon entering manhood, would offer their protective bulla amulets to Liber.
Mefitis
Mefitis was the goddess of noxious gases, protecting against the unhealthy vapors from underground caves and bogs believed to cause disease. As the Romans associated bad smells with infection (the miasma theory), they turned to Mefitis to ward off the effects of these aromas. Shrines dedicated to her were erected in particularly malodorous locations, and archaeological finds suggest she had a wide following.
Annona
Annona embodied Rome’s grain supply, crucial for feeding its massive population. Emperors often used her image on coins to celebrate their role in securing and subsidizing grain imports, particularly from Egypt. Annona is typically depicted holding stalks of grain and a horn of plenty, symbolizing the abundance and stability she brought to the city.
Summanus
Summanus was the god of nocturnal lightning, a terrifying and mysterious force in the ancient world. While Jupiter was known for his daytime thunderbolts, Summanus ruled the night skies. Evidence suggests he was once considered nearly equal to Jupiter, with similar sacrifices offered to him after lightning strikes damaged sacred sites.
Verminus
Verminus was the god responsible for pests and worms that afflicted crops and livestock. In an agrarian society, his role was crucial in preventing shortages and starvation caused by animal diseases. An altar dedicated to Verminus was erected in response to a devastating epidemic, possibly of worms, highlighting the desperation and reliance on divine intervention during such crises.
Laverna
Laverna was the goddess of theft, robbery, and nocturnal illicit activities. Even criminals needed divine protection, especially to maintain a good reputation. Little is known about her, but an altar dedicated to her stood near one of Rome’s gates, perhaps offering solace to those sneaking out for some “naughty pillaging.”
The Emperors
In the Roman world, the line between human and divine was often blurred. Emperors and their families frequently attained godhood, solidifying their power and legacy. Julius Caesar claimed descent from Venus, and Augustus deified Caesar after his death, proclaiming himself the “son of a god.” This practice became common, with emperors like Vespasian jokingly anticipating their divine transformation upon death.
Cloacina
Cloacina was the goddess of the Cloaca Maxima, Rome’s main sewer system. This “Greatest Sewer” was a marvel of Roman engineering, channeling filth and floodwaters away from the city. To protect this vital infrastructure, the Romans erected a shrine to Cloacina, recognizing the importance of sanitation and public health. Later writers even composed hymns in her honor for use in their own bathrooms.
The Roman pantheon was vast and diverse, filled with gods and goddesses who influenced every aspect of life. These ten lesser-known deities offer a glimpse into the rich tapestry of Roman beliefs and the importance of divine presence in their daily routines.
Which of these surprising Roman gods did you find most interesting? Leave your comment below!
