Introduction
Hello everyone, Alex Iles here! Today, we’re taking a deep dive into the fascinating world of female deities, exploring some of the goddesses worshipped along Hadrian’s Wall. We’ll be looking at Victoria, Fortuna, Minerva, Diana, and the intriguing Matres.
Victoria: The Goddess of Victory
Let’s begin with Victoria, or as you might know her from her Greek name, Nike. You probably recognize that name from the trainers! Victoria was a major goddess for the Romans, associated with triumphant generals. She began as a Sabine goddess, Vacuna, and then transitioned into the Roman pantheon to become the Victoria we understand today.
Unlike the Greek Nike, who was more associated with athletic events, Victoria was primarily a goddess of military victory for the Romans. You’d find her depicted on coins, jewelry, and even in house frescoes. In these depictions, she often stands on top of a globe or the world, and she would have carried a scepter in one hand and a laurel wreath in the other.
Fortuna: The Goddess of Fortune and Luck
Next, we have Fortuna, the goddess of fortune and luck. She was also associated with fertility and the protection of granaries. Interestingly, her shrines are often found in or near bathhouses. We’re not entirely sure why, but it might be because people felt vulnerable in the baths or because they played dice games there.
We see Fortuna depicted with a cornucopia, symbolizing plenty, and sometimes with a wheel, representing the wheel of fortune.
Minerva: The Goddess of Wisdom and Defensive Warfare
Now, let’s talk about Minerva. She’s the goddess of wisdom, defensive warfare, strategy, and trade. While Mars was seen as a god of offensive war, Minerva represented strategy and planning in defensive situations.
On Hadrian’s Wall, we find both crude and more elaborate depictions of Minerva. One simpler carving still shows her with the Gorgon on her chest, a key symbol to recognise her.
Diana: The Goddess of the Hunt
Diana, the hunting goddess, was largely adopted from the Greek Artemis. She’s often depicted with a bow and arrow and a stag. There’s an interesting debate about a depiction of a bathing goddess. Some believe it’s Venus, but I lean towards it being Diana, referencing the myth of Actaeon. It makes more sense to me, given the location in wild Northumberland and the emphasis on hunting.
The Matres: Mother Goddesses
Finally, we have the Matres, a group of goddesses associated with motherhood, childbirth, and household protection. They are often depicted holding fruit, children, or other fertility symbols.
One particularly interesting Matre was found in a Mithraeum, a very masculine space. It’s a fascinating mystery how she ended up there!
Conclusion
These female deities offer a glimpse into the lives of Roman soldiers and civilians on Hadrian’s Wall. They reflect their beliefs, fears, and hopes, and show how they integrated Roman and local traditions.
I hope you’ve enjoyed this exploration of these fascinating goddesses. As always, please like, subscribe, and share your thoughts in the comments below. And if you’d like to support me further, check out my Patreon. Until next time, stay safe and well!
