Janus Elizabeth Pemberton Janus: God of beginnings and ends No Greek counterpart One of earliest Roman deities Began as a domestic deity •Spirit of the doorway or ianua Eventually evolved into state deity Presides over every entrance/ departure •Two-faced (Janus bifrons) Gatekeeper •Symbols: porter’s staff (virga) and a set of keys Janus & the Roman Religion (1) Name evoked before Zeus in prayer Protected the start of all activities Inaugurated the seasons 1st day of each month considered sacred for him January 9th: The Agonium (Festival) Janus & the Roman Religion (2) 5 shrines built to honor him • Jani: ceremonial gateways Most important shine: • located near the Forum • Opening/closing of doors meaningful • Armies leaving to wage war: exited according to ritual Rituals preformed by rex sacrorum 2 Myths Involving Origin of Janus Myth 1 Myth 2 • Janus ruled alongside • Present during time of Romulus Camesus • Rome was under attack • After Camesus’ death he ruled • Enemies scaled the walls of the city peacefully for many years • Janus poured a powerful spray of • Received the god Saturn, hot water down the wall, forcing after he was driven from their retreat Greece • Romulus established cult honoring • Deified upon death Janus • Temple doors left open 2 Myths Involving Origin of Janus Myth 1 Myth 2 • Janus ruled alongside • Present during time of Romulus Camesus • Rome under attack • Son Tiberinus • Enemies scaled the walls of the city • Built Janiculum • Janus forced their retreat • After Camesus’ death he ruled • Romulus established cult honoring peacefully for many years Janus • Received the god Saturn, after • Temple doors left open he was driven from Rome • Deified upon death Janus in Popular Culture “By Janus, I think no.” Janus Moon of Capital Saturn Act 1, Scene Group 2 References Text • http://www.britannica.com/topic/Janus-Roman-god • http://www.ancient.eu/Janus/ Pictures • https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/4/48/Sesterce_temple_janus.JPG • http://etc.usf.edu/clipart/15900/15984/Janus_15984_lg.gif • http://www.crystalinks.com/janusarch2.jpg • http://teacherpress.ocps.net/wellsml/files/2013/01/Othello-Cover.jpg • http://si.wsj.net/public/resources/images/BN-ES776_JanusC_G_20140926094649.jpg.