Digital Maps of the Ancient World

Fortuna

Fortuna, a capricious goddess in Roman religion, personified the very essence of luck and fortune. Her influence could swing wildly, bringing unexpected windfalls or sudden misfortune. She was the embodiment of chance, the unpredictable forces that shaped human destiny.

Colossal head believed to be that of the cult statue of Fortuna Huiusce Diei. (c) Skopas Minor

Symbols: Globe, cornucopia, wheel and wreath
Parents: Jupiter
Festivals: Augustalia, Fors Fortuna, Veneralia
Greek equivalent: Tyche

She embodied the very fickleness of fate. Her blessings could shower wealth and success upon one, while misfortune struck another with equal swiftness. On occasion depicted veiled and blind, Fortuna symbolized the unpredictable nature of chance, the unseen forces shaping human destiny. Yet, like her father Jupiter, the king of gods, Fortuna could also be a benevolent force, showering unexpected bounty and generosity upon all.

Aureus of Vespasian depicting Fortuna Augusta on the reverse holding a cornucopia and rudder. British Museum.

Aspects of Fortuna

Fortuna’s influence extended far and wide, reflected in the numerous aspects and epithets associated with her. These titles offer a glimpse into the specific areas where people sought her capricious favor:

  • Harvest and War: Fortuna Annonaria ensured bountiful harvests, while Fortuna Belli swayed the tides of war.
  • Life Stages: Fortuna Primigenia watched over the fate of newborns, and Fortuna Virgo protected young women. Fortuna Barbata marked the luck associated with the transition to adulthood for young men.
  • Domestic Life: Fortuna Virilis blessed women with good fortune in marriage, while Fortuna Muliebris encompassed the broader luck of women in general.
  • Travel and Return: Fortuna Redux ensured safe journeys home, and Fortuna Huiusce Diei governed the luck of the present day.
  • Social Status: Fortuna Augusta safeguarded the emperor’s fortunes, while Fortuna Equestris watched over the knightly class. Fortuna Publica embodied the luck of the entire Roman people, contrasting with Fortuna Privata who looked after the fortunes of individuals.
  • Other Domains: Fortuna Respiciens favored providers and guardians, Fortuna Balnearis presided over the luck experienced in bathhouses, and Fortuna Conservatrix offered the fortune of preservation. Fortuna Obsequens represented the luck associated with pleasure and indulgence, while Fortuna Faitrix embodied the broader concept of life’s fortune.

Art

Statue of Fortuna and Pontus, 2nd c. AD, Constanta. Constanta Archaeology & History Museum.
Statue of Livia as Fortuna, Pozzuoli, 1st c. AD. Ny Carlsberg Glyptotek.
Statue of Fortuna Nemesis, Budapest 2nd-3rd c. AD. Aquincum Museum.
Statue of Fortuna. Ny Carlsberg Glyptotek.
Relief of Fortuna and a Genius, 2nd-3rd c. AD, Mainz. Mainz Landesmuseum.
Figurine of Fortuna. Florence National Archaeology Museum.
Figurine of Fortuna, 200-225 AD. British Museum.
Relief of Fortuna, Cologne. Cologne Romano-Germanic Museum.
Figurine of Fortuna, 2nd c. AD, Cologne. British Museum.