Quirinus is an enigmatic deity from ancient Roman traditions, often celebrated alongside Jupiter and Mars. His association with Quirinal Hill connects him to the protection of the Roman populace and even ties him back to the legendary founding figure of Rome.
The Roots of Quirinus
The name Quirinus is closely tied to Quirinal Hill, a location that was not initially part of Rome but was integrated into the city in its later development. This hill was once inhabited by non-Roman groups, possibly the Sabines, who revered Quirinus as their local god. His name may stem from the Sabine term for “spear,” suggesting he could have been a war deity. Alternatively, Quirinus could derive from the word couirium, meaning “assembly of men,” indicating a connection to his community.
Quirinus and Romulus
According to the poet Ovid, Quirinus is identified with Romulus, the mythical founder of Rome and son of Mars. After Romulus’s death, he was transformed into a god by Jupiter. When he appeared in divine form to the Romans, he proclaimed his new identity as Quirinus and instructed the people to honor him with temples on the hill bearing his name.
The Triad of Quirinus, Jupiter, and Mars
Once the Quirinal Hill became annexed into Rome, Quirinus emerged as a full-fledged Roman god, joining the early triad of deities alongside Jupiter and Mars. Among these three figures, Quirinus held the position of the least powerful. He was served by the Flamen Quirinalis, the lowest-ranked priest compared to the Flamen Maiores of Jupiter and Mars. Quirinus was also the last to receive the spolia opima, or the war spoils dedicated to gods by triumphant generals.
Although Quirinus might have originated as a Sabine war god, his militaristic aspects became less pronounced over time. Unlike Mars, who retained his active warlike identity, Quirinus transitioned into a more protective role, prioritizing the welfare of the Roman people rather than engaging in battle himself. His sacred weapons were kept in his temple, coated in pitch, indicating their disuse—an approach in stark contrast to the vibrancy of Mars.
Aspects of Quirinus’s Worship in Rome
The precise influence of Quirinus in Roman religious practices remains somewhat ambiguous, as does the significance of the festival held in his honor on February 17. However, Quirinus’s contributions to the prosperity and safety of the Roman populace can be observed through various celebrations.
His priests played critical roles in the festivals such as Consualia, Robigalia, and Fornacalia, which centered around agricultural prosperity and the safeguarding of grain. This connection underlines Quirinus’s importance in ensuring the productivity and wealth of the Romans.
Dumézil offers an intriguing perspective, suggesting that the name Quirinus relates not just to the inhabitants of a single hill but symbolically reflects the assembly of the entire Roman citizenry.
References
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Ovid (translated and edited by A J Boyle and R D Woodard) Fasti 2 475-510. Penguin Classics.
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Price, Simon and Kearns, Emily (eds) (2003) The Oxford Dictionary of Classical Myth and Religion. Oxford University Press: Oxford.
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Dumézil, Georges (trans Philip Krapp) (1996) Archaic Roman Religion Vol I. The John Hopkins University Press. Baltimore and London.
