Virtus (deity)

For other uses, see Virtus (disambiguation).

In ancient Roman religion, Virtus (Latin pronunciation: [ˈwɪrtuːs̠]) was the deity of bravery and military strength, the personification of the Roman virtue of virtus. The Greek equivalent deity was Arete.^[1] The deity was often associated with the Roman god Honos (personification of honour) and was often honoured together with him, such as in the Temple of Virtus and Honos at the Porta Capena in Rome. It was after the conquest of Syracuse in 205 that the Virtus portion of the temple was added, and in such a way that one had to enter the temple of Virtus before Honos, symbolizing that honor cannot be obtained without military success.^[2]

Gallic coin featuring Virtus

U.S. Continental currency Virginia four-dollar note of 1776 (obverse) with Virtus at the left

The deity was represented in a variety of ways, for example, on the coins of Tetricus, they could appear as a matron, an old man, or a young man, with a javelin, battle helmet, or only clothed in a cape. Within the realm of funerary reliefs Virtus is never shown without a male companion.^[3] Often their presence within this realm of art is to complement and provide assistance to the protagonist of the relief during a scene of intense masculinity or bravery.^[4]

Hercules

Virtus is most commonly known in the story of Hercules. Hercules finds himself at a crossroads, where has to choose between Virtus and Voluptas, essentially vice and virtue. Hercules has to choose between a life of ease and glutton or between a life of valor and strength. Hercules eventually chooses Virtus.^[5]

Modern era

In the United States in 1776, Virtus was made the central figure in the Seal of Virginia and the subsequent state flag, which features the seal. The Virginia four-dollar note, a Continental currency, had a similar Virtus pictured on its obverse.

See also

• Hercules at the crossroads