Victoria was the goddess of victory and glory, the personification of victory. She was adopted from the Sabine goddess of agriculture – Vacuna – and had a temple on the Palatine. Victoria was also sometimes identified with the goddess Vic Pota. Identified with Greek Nike and tied with Bellona.
Unlike her Greek counterpart, Victoria was a goddess who played an important role in the life of Roman society. Many temples were built in her honour. An example of the Romans’ adoration for the Roman goddess was the events in 382 CE when Emperor Gratian removed her statue, which was met with great anger and opposition from the population. Victoria was customarily praised by victorious chiefs returning from the war.
Victoria was a symbol of victory over death and decided who would be the winner in the war. She is the patron saint of winners in every discipline. Its Greek counterpart – Nike – in turn, was responsible for the success in the Olympics.
The goddess often appears on Roman coins, jewellery, structures, and art. She was often depicted on a chariot. On the reverse of Roman coins, it is depicted with wings shining in the sun, a laurel wreath and an olive branch.
- Kempiński Andrzej, Encyklopedia mitologii ludów indoeuropejskich, Warszawa 2001
- Schmidt Joël, Słownik mitologii greckiej i rzymskiej, Katowice 1996
