Sancus
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- Sancus is also a genus of the Tetragnathidae family of spiders.
In Roman mythology, Sancus (also known as Sangus or Semo Sancus) was the god of loyalty, honesty, and oaths. His cult is one of the most ancient of Romans, probably derived from Etruscan or Oscan influences.
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[edit] Oaths
Sancus was also the god who protected oaths of marriage, hospitality, law, commerce, and contracts in particular. Some forms of swearings were used in his name and honour at the moment of the signing of contracts and other important civil acts. Some words (like "sanction" - for the case of disrespect of pacts) have their etymology in the name of this god, whose name is connected with sancire "to hallow" (hence sanctus, "hallowed").
[edit] Worship
There was a temple dedicated to Sancus on the Quirinal Hill, under the name Semo Sancus Dius Fidus. A statue of him (also as Semo Sancus Dius Fidus) was found on the Tiber Island. [1]
[edit] Family
Sancus was said to have one son, the Sabine hero Sabus.
[edit] References
- ^ Claridge, Amanda (1998). Rome: An Oxford Archaeological Guide. Oxford: Oxford Univ. Press. (p. 226)
[edit] External links
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