Roma
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Roma was a personification of the city of Rome itself, embodying its power, greatness, and divine favor. She became one of the central deities in the Roman pantheon, particularly after the expansion of Rome into an empire. Roma was often depicted as a regal and strong figure, symbolizing the might of Rome and its dominance over the known world. She was typically represented as a warrior goddess, sometimes wearing armor or holding symbols of military power, such as a spear or a shield. Over time, Roma came to be associated with the very concept of Roman identity and statehood.
The cult of Roma began to gain prominence during the late Republic, especially under the leadership of Emperor Augustus. Augustus and other emperors saw Roma not only as a symbol of the city’s strength but also as a divine protector of the Roman state. Temples and altars were dedicated to Roma in various locations, with the most famous being the Temple of Roma on the Roman Forum, built by Emperor Hadrian in the 2nd century CE. Roma’s worship was integrated into imperial propaganda, as she was depicted as a goddess who ensured the prosperity and military success of the empire. In some depictions, Roma was paired with other deities like Victoria (the goddess of victory) to highlight the triumphs of Rome’s legions.
Roma’s significance grew as the Roman Empire expanded, and her iconography spread throughout the provinces. She was considered not just the protector of the city of Rome, but also the guardian of the entire empire. Roman coins, monuments, and imperial propaganda often showcased her to reinforce the idea of Rome’s divine right to rule over vast territories. The rise of Roma as a deity was tied to the Roman ideal of empire-building, which emphasized unity, power, and the centrality of Rome as the heart of the known world.
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