The influence of Greek culture on the Roman Republic was profound, especially as the Greeks maintained a significant presence on the island of Sicily for centuries. The conflicts in the 2nd and 3rd centuries BCE led to an influx of Hellenic culture in the form of art, philosophy, literature, and, crucially, religion. Prior to the arrival of the Greeks, Rome already had a rich tapestry of religious practices. The integration of the Greek pantheon with Roman deities was seamless, except for one deity who stood uniquely apart. This was Janus, a god symbolizing both beginnings and ends, whose name was invoked even before that of the chief god, Jupiter.
Unlike Greek worship, which was often characterized by devotion and enthusiasm, Roman religious practices emphasized the importance of rituals as a means to mitigate the potential hazards associated with unrestrained zeal. The Romans believed that correct performance of rituals would yield rewards, while errors in practice could lead to punishment. This reliance on rituals became a lasting aspect of their religious life, even with the introduction of Greek deities.
Janus’ Role in Roman Religion
Janus was a significant deity in early Roman spirituality, revered as the god of beginnings and endings. He presided over all doorways and passages, symbolizing transitions and thresholds. Initially, before the establishment of the Capitoline triad, Roman religious practices were centered around household worship, acknowledging the spirits—referred to as numina—that were believed to inhabit everyday objects and places, including people. Domestic deities such as Vesta (the spirit of the hearth), Penates (protectors of the pantry), and Lar Familiaris (guardian of the family’s fortune) were integral to early Roman spirituality. At the heart of this was Janus, whose dominion extended to the threshold or ianua of the home, etching his significance in everyday life.
Myths and Legends of Janus
Janus’s origins are steeped in legend, making him one of the premier deities of Roman culture. Sometimes called the “god of gods” or diuom deo, he is also linked with the Etruscan god Culsans. There are at least two significant myths about his beginnings. In the first, Janus ruled with an early king, Camesus. After being exiled from Thessaly, he arrived in Rome alongside his wife Camise and their offspring, notably Tiberinus, the god associated with the Tiber River. After Camesus’s demise, he governed Latium peacefully until his own death, posthumously becoming a deity.
In another myth, Janus is depicted as an ally of Romulus, the legendary founder of Rome. During an assault on the city led by Titus Tatius, Janus famously thwarted the invaders with a powerful eruption of hot water. This act earned him reverence, leading to the eternal opening of the Temple of Janus’s doors during wartime, as a sign of his protective vigilance.
Janus in Roman Society
Regarded by many as the keeper of the universe, Janus’s influence was ubiquitous in Roman society, symbolizing duality as the god who looks in both directions—a representation of his bifrons aspect. His roles extended to safeguarding new ventures and inaugurating seasonal changes. Significant dates included the first day of each month, which was sacred to him, culminating in the naming of the first month, January, as a tribute to this guardian of beginnings.
Janus’s depictions on early Roman coins showcased him with two faces—one bearded and the other clean-shaven—signifying various aspects of time and history, which would later symbolize wisdom in the Renaissance.
The Shrines of Janus
Five notable shrines were dedicated to Janus Geminus in Rome, strategically positioned close to watercourses due to his early associations with bridges and waterways. The most prominent shrine was located at the Argiletum entrance to the Forum, characterized by bronze doors that were traditionally closed during times of peace and opened in wartime. However, due to Rome’s continuous military engagements, these doors remained more often ajar than closed. The rituals surrounding the departure of Roman soldiers for war were critical; any deviation from the prescribed ceremonies could jeopardize their success.
In January of 48 BCE, during Julius Caesar’s reign, the Senate facilitated the ceremonial closing of Janus’s temple doors, marking an era of peace after Caesar’s victories. This act was repeated by subsequent emperors, such as Augustus, who sought to revitalize traditional religious practices. During his time, many neglected temples were restored, and the army upheld the ancient custom of exiting through Janus’s shrine appropriately, culminating in the ceremonial closure of the doors upon their triumphant return.
The Greek influence on Roman culture, including its religious practices, is well-documented, yet it is essential to recognize that Rome had its own indigenous spirituality. The arrival of Greek gods prompted developments within Roman worship, making their deities more anthropomorphic, reflecting human traits like love and jealousy. However, among all these changes, Janus remained distinct and unaltered, eternally embodying the themes of beginnings and endings in Roman tradition.
