Virtus (deity)

For other uses, see Virtus (disambiguation).
Gallic coin featuring Virtus.
U.S. Continental currency Virginia Four-Dollar Note of 1776 (obverse) with Virtus at the left.

In Roman mythology, Virtus was the deity of bravery and military strength, the personification of the Roman virtue of virtus. The Greek equivalent deity was Arete.[1] He/she was identified with the Roman god Honos (personification of honour), and was often honoured together with him, such as in the Temple of Virtus and Honos at the Porta Capena in Rome itself.

This deity was represented in a variety of ways - for example, on the coins of Tetricus, it can appear as a matron, an old man, or a young man, with a javelin or only clothed in a cape. Within the realm of funerary reliefs Virtus is never shown without a male companion.[2] Often her presence within this realm of art is to compliment and provide assistance to the protagonist of the relief during a scene of intense masculinity or bravery.[3]

Modern era

In 1776, Virtus was made the central figure in Seal of Virginia and the subsequent state's flag which features the seal. The Virginia Four-Dollar Note, a Continental currency, had a similar Virtus pictured on its obverse.

References

  1. ↑ J. Rufus Fears, "The Theology of Victory at Rome: Approaches and Problem," Aufstieg und Niedergang der römischen Welt II.17.2 (1981), pp. 747–748, 776 (note 201).
  2. ↑ Hansen, L (2008). MUSES as models : learning and the complicity of authority. The University of Michigan. p. 280.
  3. ↑ Hansen, L (2008). MUSES as models : learning and the complicity of authority. The University of Michigan. p. 281.


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