Curiosities of ancient Rome (Faith)

Aius Locutius is a mysterious deity of unknown origin and appearance. In Roman mythology, it appears only once and in the form of a voice.

In ancient Rome, one of the most intriguing customs was fate, i.e. the concept of fate, which was closely related to divine will. It was believed that the goddesses of fate, known as the Trinity of Fatum – Nona, Decima and Morta – had control over each person’s life.

Crepitus is an interesting character in Roman mythology, whose domain was supposed to be “farts” and toilets. Its authenticity is questionable because the only mentions of it are in Christian texts, which may have been an attempt to ridicule pagan beliefs. The lack of direct evidence in Roman sources suggests that he may have been a satirical creation rather than an actually worshipped deity.

Colosseum, a monumental amphitheater in the center of ancient Rome, is not only a symbol of the power of the empire, but also a place shrouded in the legend of Christian suffering. The common idea of ​​crucifixions taking place there arouses many emotions – but did it actually take place?

In ancient Rome, the Salii ritual was one of the most important elements of the cult of Mars, the god of war. These were elite priests who wore special costumes and performed characteristic ritual dances and songs during the annual celebrations. Their ceremonies were intended to ensure prosperity in wars, protect the city, and guarantee Rome’s power on the battlefields.

Augurs were key figures in the religious and political life of ancient Rome. Their main task was to interpret signs from the gods, which influenced the most important state decisions, from waging wars to selecting officials. The art of divination they practiced was known as auspicia, and its basis was the observation of the flight of birds, which resulted from the belief that birds were intermediaries between the world of humans and the world of gods.

Castor and Pollux, also known as the Dioscuri, played an important role in Greek mythology but also gained special honour in ancient Rome. Considered the protectors of soldiers and patrons of cavalry, they symbolized brotherly loyalty and heroism. Their mythical birth from Queen Leda and the god Zeus (according to Hesiod), who took the form of a swan, gave them divine status, although Castor, unlike Pollux, was mortal.

Among the early symbols of Christianity, the letters XP (chi-rho) hold a special place, carrying a deep theological and historical meaning with them. This sign, which is the monogram of Christ, comes from the first two letters of the Greek word “Χριστός” (Christ), i.e. Chi (Χ) and Rho (Ρ). The use of these letters dates back to the 4th century CE, and their importance was reinforced during the times of Emperor Constantine the Great (who lived from approx. 272-337 CE), who introduced chi-rho as a symbol of his rule after a legendary revelation before the Battle of Milvian Bridge (312 CE).

Anna Perenna, an ancient Italian goddess worshipped in Rome and identified with the New Year. Her name comes from the Latin words: annis – year and perennis – eternal. The origin of the original goddess cult remains a mystery. It probably came from the people living on the Iberian Peninsula before the Greeks and Latins. The cult of Anna was therefore appropriated by the Romans, who adapted it to their language. The ancient Romans had various versions of the origins of Anna Perenna.

After the Roman General Titus conquered the violent rebellion in Jerusalem and Judea, he devised 4 solutions to prevent it from happening again.