|
|
 |
| Home > The Gods > The Gods of Rome > Quirinus |
|
|
The God Quirinus
Quirinus is another Roman war God, though His name may have come from co-viri-no, which means 'the God of the Assembly of men.' He was originally worshipped by the Sabines on the Quirinal Hill. It is possible that His name was taken from one of those used by the Romans to refer to Mars, for during the later Republic He and Mars became one, though He kept his separate flamen. It is possible that He was regarded as the protector of Rome during times of peace, while Mars was the protector during times of war. The Flamen Quirinalis was His priest. When Romulus was referred to as a God, He went by the name Quirinus.
The festival of Quirinalia was held on the 17 of February, though not much is known about it. His flamen attended the cult of Robigus, the God (or Goddess, the Romans themselves either weren't sure or the deity was androgynous) of blight and red rust mildew. On April 25, the Robigalia was celebrated in an effort to ward off these corn destroying diseases. For this festival, it's not surprising that the priest for protector of the crops would be present to make the sacrifice.
He is portrayed with a beard and wears religious and military clothing. The myrtle is sacred to Him.
He is also known by the following names:
Mars, Romulus and The Spear God
These days are sacred to Him:
February 17 - Quirinalia
|
|
|
|
|
