Digital Maps of the Ancient World

Diana

Diana, the Roman goddess of the hunt and the moon, embodied a fascinating duality. She roamed the wild as protector of the hunt and the creatures of the forest, while also reigning over the celestial realm of the moon.

Symbols: Bow and quiver, deer, hunting dogs, crescent moon
Parents: Jupiter and Latona
Siblings: Apollo
Greek equivalent: Artemis

In Roman mythology, Diana also held a surprising yet significant role – the protector of childbirth and women. She was one of the three virgin goddesses who vowed never to marry, alongside Minerva and Vesta. Oak groves and deer were especially sacred to her, reflecting her connection to the wild. Notably, Diana wasn’t worshipped alone. She formed a powerful triad with two other deities: Egeria, the water nymph who served as her assistant midwife, and Virbius, the god of the woodlands.

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