Emperors of Rome
Episode CCXXXV - Faunalia Rustica
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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Quick takeaways
- The Faunalia Rustica festival highlights the tension between rural traditions and urbanization, emphasizing appeasement of the trickster god Faunus to ensure peaceful living.
- Faunus's evolution from woodland spirits to a revered deity illustrates the blending of indigenous beliefs with Roman religious practices, influencing regional worship across the empire.
Deep dives
The Festival of Faunus
The Faunalia Rustica, celebrated on December 5th, honors Faunus, a god indigenous to Italy associated with the countryside. Unlike typical Roman festivals that seek favor from deities, this festival involves placating Faunus to avoid his wrath, highlighting his trickster nature. Faunus is depicted as a guardian of rural life, where the focus is on maintaining peace while engaging in traditional activities like woodcutting and livestock care. This festival reflects the tension between the rural and urban aspects of Roman life, as urbanization changes the landscape and necessitates appeasing local spirits.
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