Emperors of Rome Episode CCXXXV - Faunalia Rustica
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Dec 17, 2024 Dr. Rhiannon Evans, an expert in Roman history and mythology from La Trobe University, discusses the intriguing festival of Faunalia Rustica. She dives into the significance of honoring Faunus, the god revered for protecting rural life. The conversation highlights the contrasting simplicity of rural celebrations against urban complexities. Rhiannon also unpacks Faunus' dual nature as both protector and peril, linking his mythology to the Trojan War and the spread of these traditions across the Roman Empire.
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Faunus: An Indigenous Italian God
- Faunalia Rustica, celebrated on December 5th, appeased Faunus, an Italian countryside god.
- He's considered indigenous, not Roman, and potentially originated as multiple woodland spirits.
Faunus's Dark Side
- Faunus is a trickster god who is placated to prevent harm, particularly to women and flocks.
- He's associated with Silvanus, another forest god appearing in women's dreams as an incubus.
Faunus in Mythology
- Faunus, grandson of Saturn, is considered a Latin king and father of Latinus from the Aeneid.
- He's credited with founding Latin civilization and advising Aeneas, linking him to Rome's origin myth.