Volturnus Explained

In Roman mythology, Volturnus was a god of the Tiber, and may have been the god of all rivers.^[1] He had his own minor flamen, a high priest, the Flamen Volturnalis.^[2] His festival, Volturnalia, was held on August 27.^[3]

Culture

Although he was originally an Etruscan god, his worship spread to Rome, and appears to have replaced or coincided with the Roman god Tiber.^{[4] [2]}

History

Although originally popular enough to receive his own Flamen, he vanished into obscurity around the time of the late Roman Republic.^[5]

Appearance

Volturnus was a man, who had long blonde hair.^[6]

Family

Volturnus had at least two descendants, a daughter named Juturna, a grandchild named Fons. Fons was born of a love affair between Juturna and Janus, and was the god of spring water.^[7]

Honours

Volturnus Lake in Antarctica is named after the deity.

Notes and References

1. Book: Campbell. Brian. Rivers and the Power of Ancient Rome. 2012. The University of North Carolina Press. Chapel Hill. 9780807869048. 141.
2. Book: Forsythe. Gary. A critical history of early Rome : from prehistory to the First Punic War. 2006. University of California Press. Berkeley. 9780520249912. 118.
3. Book: Bunson. Matthew. Encyclopedia of the Roman empire. registration. 2002. Facts On File. New York. 9781438110271. 589.
4. Book: Oswalt. Sabine G. Cottrell. Leonard. Concise encyclopedia of Greek and Roman mythology. 1969. Collins. Glasgow. 978-0695861094. 299.
5. Book: Adkins. Lesley. Adkins. Roy A.. Handbook to life in ancient Rome. limited. 2004. Facts On File. New York. 9780816074822. 306.
6. Book: Campbell. Brian. Rivers and the Power of Ancient Rome. 2012. The University of North Carolina Press. Chapel Hill. 9780807869048. 124.
7. Book: Wiseman. T.P.. The myths of Rome. 2004. University of Exeter, UK. Great Britain. 9780859897037. 162.