The Roman goddess of wisdom Minerva corresponds to the Greek warrior Athena Pallada. The Romans attributed their goddess of wisdom to the triad of the supreme gods, Minerva, Jupiter and Juno, to whom the temple was built, built on Capitol Hill.
The Roman cult of the goddess of Wisdom of Mineva
The cult of Minerva was widespread throughout Italy, but it was honored more as a patroness of science, crafts and needlework . And only in Rome it was more esteemed as a warrior.
Quinquatrias - festivals dedicated to Minerva, were held on March 19-23. On the first day of the holiday, students and schoolchildren were supposed to thank their mentors and pay for their tuition. On the same day, all fighting ceased, and gifts were offered-honey, butter and flat cakes. On other days in honor of Minerva, gladiatorial fights, processions were arranged, and on the last day - a sacrifice and consecration of city pipes participating in various ceremonies. Junior quinquatrios were celebrated on June 13-15. Mostly it was a holiday of flutists, who considered Minerva their patroness.
Minerva in Roman mythology
According to myths, the goddess Minerva appeared from the head of Jupiter. One day the Roman supreme deity had a very bad headache. No one, not even the recognized healer Aesculapius, was able to alleviate his suffering. Then Jupiter, tormented by pain, asked Vulcan's son to cut his head with an ax. As soon as the head was split, the singing of Minerva's war hymns jumped out of it, in armor, with a shield and a sharp spear.
Emerged from the head of his father, Minerva became the goddess of wisdom and a just war of liberation. In addition, Minerva patronized the development of science and women's needlework, the patronage of artists, poets, musicians, actors and teachers.
Artists and sculptors portrayed Minerva as a young beautiful girl in military armor and with weapons in her hands. Very often, next to the goddess are a snake or an owl - symbols of wisdom, love for reflection. Another recognizable symbol of Minerva is an olive tree, the creation of which the Romans attributed to this goddess.
The role of Minerva in Roman mythology is very great. This goddess was the adviser of Jupiter, and when the war began, Minerva took her shield Egis with the head of Medusa Gorgona and went to defend those who suffered innocently, defending the just cause. Minerva was not afraid of battles, but did not welcome bloodshed, unlike the bloodthirsty god of war, Mars.
According to the descriptions in the myths, Minerva was very feminine and attractive, but did not praise her fans - the goddess of wisdom was very proud of her virginity. Chastity and immortality of Minerva were explained by the fact that true wisdom can neither be seduced nor destroyed.
Greek goddess Athena
In Greek mythology, the goddess Minerva corresponds to Athena. She was also born out of the head of the chief god, Zeus, and was the goddess of wisdom. The fact that the Greek goddess is older than her Roman twin,
When a magnificent city was built in the province of Attica, the supreme gods began to argue in honor of whom it would be named. In the end, all the gods except Poseidon and Athens abandoned their claims, but the two disputants could not make a decision. Then Zeus announced that the city would be named in honor of the one who would bring him the most useful gift. Poseidon with a trident beat created a beautiful and strong horse, worthy of serving the king. Athena created an olive tree and explained to people that they can use not only the fruits of this plant, but also its leaves and wood. And, in addition, the olive branch is a symbol of peace and prosperity, which, undoubtedly, is very important for the residents of the young city. And the city was named after the wise goddess, who also became the patroness of Athens.