Salus
Encyclopedia
Salus was a minor Roman
goddess. She was the personification of well-being (health and prosperity) of both the individual and the state. She is sometimes erroneously associated with the Greek goddess Hygieia
.
In fact Salus is an ancient Roman Goddess that started to be increasingly associated to Valetudo the Goddess of Personal Health, which was the real romanized name of Hygieia.
Although a minor goddess, as Salus Publica Populi Romani ('goddess of the public welfare of the Roman people') she had a temple on the Quirinal Hill
, inaugurated in 302 BCE. Later she became more a protector of personal health. Around 180 BCE sacrificial rites in honour of Apollo
, Aesculapius, and Salus took place there (Livius XL, 19). There was a statue to Salus in the temple of Concordia
.
Her festival was celebrated on March 30.
), leaning her elbow on the arm of her throne. Often, her right hand holds out a patera
(shallow dish used in religious ceremonies) to feed a snake which is coiled round an altar
. The snake is reared up and dips its head to the patera.
Sometimes her hand is open and empty, making a gesture. Sometimes the snake directs its gaze along with hers. Sometimes there is no altar; the snake is coiled around the arm of her throne instead.
Occasionally, Salus has a tall Staff in her left hand with a snake twined around it; Sometimes her right hand raises a smaller female figure. Later, Salus is shown standing, feeding her snake. This became the commonest pose: she is standing and grasping the wriggling snake firmly under her arm, directing it to the food she holds out on a dish in her other hand. Rarely, Salus is holding a steering oar in her left hand (indicates her role in guiding the emperor through a healthy life). This really belongs to Fortuna
.
Ancient Rome
Ancient Rome was a thriving civilization that grew on the Italian Peninsula as early as the 8th century BC. Located along the Mediterranean Sea and centered on the city of Rome, it expanded to one of the largest empires in the ancient world....
goddess. She was the personification of well-being (health and prosperity) of both the individual and the state. She is sometimes erroneously associated with the Greek goddess Hygieia
Hygieia
In Greek and Roman mythology, Hygieia , was a daughter of the god of medicine, Asclepius. She was the goddess/personification of health , cleanliness and sanitation. She also played an important part in her father's cult...
.
In fact Salus is an ancient Roman Goddess that started to be increasingly associated to Valetudo the Goddess of Personal Health, which was the real romanized name of Hygieia.
Although a minor goddess, as Salus Publica Populi Romani ('goddess of the public welfare of the Roman people') she had a temple on the Quirinal Hill
Quirinal Hill
The Quirinal Hill is one of the Seven Hills of Rome, at the north-east of the city center. It is the location of the official residence of the Italian Head of State, who resides in the Quirinal Palace; by metonymy "the Quirinal" has come to stand for the Italian President.- History :It was...
, inaugurated in 302 BCE. Later she became more a protector of personal health. Around 180 BCE sacrificial rites in honour of Apollo
Apollo
Apollo is one of the most important and complex of the Olympian deities in Greek and Roman mythology...
, Aesculapius, and Salus took place there (Livius XL, 19). There was a statue to Salus in the temple of Concordia
Concordia (mythology)
In Roman religion, Concord was the goddess of agreement, understanding, and marital harmony. Her Greek version is Harmonia, and the Harmonians and some Discordians equate her with Aneris. Her opposite is Discordia ....
.
Her festival was celebrated on March 30.
Representation
Salus was often shown seated with her legs crossed (a common position for SecuritasSecuritas
In Roman mythology, Securitas was the goddess of security and stability. especially the security of the Roman Empire. . On coinage Secuitas was usually depicted leaning on a column....
), leaning her elbow on the arm of her throne. Often, her right hand holds out a patera
Patera
A patera was a broad, shallow dish used for drinking, primarily in a ritual context such as a libation. These paterae were often used in Rome....
(shallow dish used in religious ceremonies) to feed a snake which is coiled round an altar
Altar
An altar is any structure upon which offerings such as sacrifices are made for religious purposes. Altars are usually found at shrines, and they can be located in temples, churches and other places of worship...
. The snake is reared up and dips its head to the patera.
Sometimes her hand is open and empty, making a gesture. Sometimes the snake directs its gaze along with hers. Sometimes there is no altar; the snake is coiled around the arm of her throne instead.
Occasionally, Salus has a tall Staff in her left hand with a snake twined around it; Sometimes her right hand raises a smaller female figure. Later, Salus is shown standing, feeding her snake. This became the commonest pose: she is standing and grasping the wriggling snake firmly under her arm, directing it to the food she holds out on a dish in her other hand. Rarely, Salus is holding a steering oar in her left hand (indicates her role in guiding the emperor through a healthy life). This really belongs to Fortuna
Fortuna
Fortuna can mean:*Fortuna, the Roman goddess of luck -Geographical:*19 Fortuna, asteroid*Fortuna, California, town located on the north coast of California*Fortuna, United States Virgin Islands...
.
See also
- HygieiaHygieiaIn Greek and Roman mythology, Hygieia , was a daughter of the god of medicine, Asclepius. She was the goddess/personification of health , cleanliness and sanitation. She also played an important part in her father's cult...
, the Greek goddess of health - SironaSironaIn Celtic mythology, Sirona was a goddess worshipped predominantly in East Central Gaul and along the Danubian limes. A healing deity, she was associated with healing springs; her attributes were snakes and eggs. She was sometimes depicted with Apollo Grannus or Apollo Borvo...
, a goddess of health worshiped in East Central Gaul