Minerva
Roman · deity · regal · deity
Roman Capitoline triad goddess; came to Rome via Etruscan Menrva during the Tarquinian regal period. The Capitoline triad form (single temple, three cellas) is itself an Etruscan introduction. Distinct from Greek Athena: Roman institutional features include the triad cult-sharing with Iuppiter and Iuno, the Aventine guild-patronage temple (scribae and histriones), the Quinquatrus craft-and-learning frame, the Minerva Capta evocatio from Falerii (241 BCE). Per Bonfante 1990; Wissowa 1912; Beard/North/Price 1998.
Domains
- wisdom craft
- guild patronage
- medicine
Powers
- Excels in and judges craft, especially weaving
- Springs full-grown and armed from Jupiter's head
Epithets
- Capta
- Medica
- Capitolina