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Mercury (Deity)
Mercury (Mercurius) was the Roman god of commerce, often serving as a mediator between the gods and mortals, his winged feet giving him the advantage of speed, and so was the patron of circulation in general - of people, goods and messages...
Definition
Roman Mythology
The ancient Romans had a rich mythology and, while much of it was derived from their neighbors and predecessors, the Greeks, it still defined the rich history of the Roman people as they eventually grew into an empire. Roman writers such...
Definition
Roman Religion
In many societies, ancient and modern, religion has performed a major role in their development, and the Roman Empire was no different. From the beginning Roman religion was polytheistic. From an initial array of gods and spirits, Rome added...
Definition
Ovid
Publius Ovidius Naso, more commonly known to history as Ovid (43 BCE - 17 CE), was one of the most prolific writers of the early Roman Empire. His works of poetry, mostly written in the form of elegiac couplets, influenced many of the great...
Video
Roman Mercury Statue from the Berthouville Treasure, 360° View
Examine this ancient Roman sculpture of Mercury in-the-round as it rotates in this short video. On view at the Getty Villa from November 19, 2014 to August 17, 2015 in the exhibition "Ancient Luxury and the Roman Silver Treasure from Berthouville"...
Image
Altar Dedicated to Mercury
The God Mercury was one of the Dii Consentes (12 major deities in the Pantheon of ancient Rome; 6 gods and 6 goddesses). Mercury was the god of financial gain, commerce, messages, and travelers. Some altars are official offerings by military...
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Vasso Galate (Temple to Mercury),
The last remaining wall (Wall of the Saracens) of the Vasso Galate, temple to the god Mercury, Clermont-Ferrand, France. The temple was destroyed by Chrocus, probably c. 256 CE.
Article
A Visual Who's Who of Greek Mythology
Achilles The hero of the Trojan War, leader of the Myrmidons, slayer of Hector and Greece's greatest warrior, who sadly came unstuck when Paris sent a flying arrow guided by Apollo, which caught him in his only weak spot, his heel...
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Pompeii Fresco with Lares
Fresco depicting two Lares (protective deities, sons of the god Mercury) pouring wine from a drinking horn (rhyton) into a bucket (situla). They stand on either side of a scene of sacrifice. The head of the family makes offerings, a musician...
Definition
Ammon (Deity)
Ammon is the name of a Libyan deity and his oracle in the desert. It became famous after Alexander the Great made a detour to consult the god. The modern name is Siwa. Oracle at Siwa Ammon was a Libyan deity, whose oracle was situated...