Friday, March 29, 2024

Bellona

Roman goddess of war, popular among the Roman soldiers. She accompanied Mars in battle, and, depending on the legend, was said to be either his wife, sister or daughter, and was sometimes portrayed as his charioteer or muse.

This serpent-haired goddess is often described as the feminine side of the god Mars. She is identified with the Greek war goddess Enyo. In front  of Bellona's temple, the fetialis (priestly officials) performed the declaration of war ceremony, the casting of a spear against the distant enemy. Bellona's attribute is a sword and she is depicted wearing a helmet.

She could be of Etruscan origin.