Book contents
- The Cult of Castor and Pollux in Ancient Rome
- The Cult of Castor and Pollux in Ancient Rome
- Copyright page
- Contents
- Illustrations
- Translations and Abbreviations
- Acknowledgements
- Introduction
- 1 The Temples of Castor and Pollux
- 2 The Epiphanies of the Dioscuri
- 3 The Responsibilities of Castor and Pollux
- 4 Castor and Pollux as Parallels for Imperial Heirs
- Conclusion
- Bibliography
- Index
3 - The Responsibilities of Castor and Pollux
Published online by Cambridge University Press: 08 May 2021
- The Cult of Castor and Pollux in Ancient Rome
- The Cult of Castor and Pollux in Ancient Rome
- Copyright page
- Contents
- Illustrations
- Translations and Abbreviations
- Acknowledgements
- Introduction
- 1 The Temples of Castor and Pollux
- 2 The Epiphanies of the Dioscuri
- 3 The Responsibilities of Castor and Pollux
- 4 Castor and Pollux as Parallels for Imperial Heirs
- Conclusion
- Bibliography
- Index
Summary
The gods of ancient Rome were thought to possess a wide range of responsibilities towards their mortal worshippers. Soldiers might call upon Mars to protect them whilst on campaign, artisans laboured under the guidance of Minerva, and farmers looked to Ceres to ensure a bounteous crop.1 Some gods possessed many roles: Apollo was connected to poets, oracles and medicine, but not always alone: other gods also possessed oracular shrines, such as Zeus at Dodona, and Apollo also shared his medical knowledge with his son, Aesculapius.2 The Dioscuri also participated in this network of divine responsibilities. They were associated with the followers of their own athletic pursuits: horsemanship and boxing, as well as ensuring the safety of sailors and, owing to their own bond, serving as examples of fraternal piety.
- Type
- Chapter
- Information
- The Cult of Castor and Pollux in Ancient RomeMyth, Ritual, and Society, pp. 113 - 144Publisher: Cambridge University PressPrint publication year: 2021