Also called Romulus Quirinus.
Their story
Quirinus was one of Rome's three oldest gods, with Jupiter and Mars, and had his own major priest, the flamen Quirinalis. Romans in their civic role were called Quirites. Ovid tells how Romulus vanished in a storm and appeared to Proculus Julius as the god Quirinus, asking to be worshipped. The Quirinalia on 17 February was also called the Feast of Fools, for those who had missed their own district's grain-roasting rite.
Best times to give to them
- Quirinalia, 17 February
- Robigalia, 25 April
- Consualia, 21 August
What they like being given
- Spelt or grain cakes
- Incense
- Wine or grape juice
- Myrtle
How to honour them
- Give some time to your community in his name.
- Pray for good order in your town or country.
- Honour the ancestors who built your place.
How they can help you
- Civic duty
- Community cohesion
- Belonging
Symbols
- spear
- myrtle
- beard
- toga
The identification of Quirinus with the deified Romulus is late Republican.
Sources
- Ovid, Fasti 2
- Livy 1.16
- Plutarch, Romulus 28
More Roman gods
- Jupiter Best and greatest, guardian of Rome
- Mars Father of Rome and guardian of fields
- Mercury Patron of merchants, messages and journeys
- Janus Two-faced god of doors and beginnings
- Saturn King of the golden age and lord of the harvest
- Sol Invictus The unconquered sun, reborn at midwinter
- Neptune Lord of fresh water and the sea
- Vulcan God of fire, both destroying and forging