Sterquilinus
Encyclopedia
In Roman mythology
, Sterquilinus ("manure"; also Stercutus or Sterculius) was a god of fertilization. He may have been equivalent to Picumnus
. The Larousse Encyclopaedia of Mythology gives the name as Stercutius, a pseudonym of Saturn
, under which the latter used to supervise the manuring of the fields.
Early Romans were an agrarian civilization and, functionally, most of their original pantheon
of gods (not the later ones they adapted to Greek stereotypes) were of a rural nature with figures such as Pomona
, Ceres, Flora
, Dea Dia
; so it was only apt for them to have a god supervising the basics of organic fertilization.
Roman mythology
Roman mythology is the body of traditional stories pertaining to ancient Rome's legendary origins and religious system, as represented in the literature and visual arts of the Romans...
, Sterquilinus ("manure"; also Stercutus or Sterculius) was a god of fertilization. He may have been equivalent to Picumnus
Picumnus
In Roman mythology, Picumnus was a god of fertility, agriculture, matrimony, infants and children. He may have been the same god as Sterquilinus. His brother was Pilumnus....
. The Larousse Encyclopaedia of Mythology gives the name as Stercutius, a pseudonym of Saturn
Saturn (mythology)
In ancient Roman religion and myth, Saturn was a major god presiding over agriculture and the harvest time. His reign was depicted as a Golden Age of abundance and peace by many Roman authors. In medieval times he was known as the Roman god of agriculture, justice and strength. He held a sickle in...
, under which the latter used to supervise the manuring of the fields.
Early Romans were an agrarian civilization and, functionally, most of their original pantheon
of gods (not the later ones they adapted to Greek stereotypes) were of a rural nature with figures such as Pomona
Pomona
Pomona was a goddess of fruitful abundance in ancient Roman religion and myth. Her name comes from the Latin word pomum, "fruit," specifically orchard fruit. She was said to be a wood nymph and a part of the Numia, guardian spirits who watch over people, places, or homes...
, Ceres, Flora
Flora (mythology)
In Roman mythology, Flora was a goddess of flowers and the season of spring. While she was otherwise a relatively minor figure in Roman mythology, being one among several fertility goddesses, her association with the spring gave her particular importance at the coming of springtime...
, Dea Dia
Dea Dia
In Roman mythology, Dea Dia is the goddess of growth. She was sometimes identified with Ceres, and sometimes with the equivalent Greek goddess Demeter....
; so it was only apt for them to have a god supervising the basics of organic fertilization.