Saturn in Roman Mythology: Who Was Saturn? Myths, Symbols & History

Who was Saturn in Roman mythology? Saturn was an ancient Roman god of agriculture, prosperity, and the legendary Golden Age. The Romans identified him with the Greek god Cronus, believing that after his defeat by Zeus, Saturn fled to Italy, where he was welcomed by the god-king Janus. Their peaceful rule was said to have brought an era of abundance and happiness known as the Golden Age.

Saturn was traditionally depicted holding a sickle and a sheaf of wheat, reflecting his close connection with agriculture and the harvest. His importance in Roman society was also reflected in the temple dedicated to him at the foot of the Capitoline Hill, which housed the public treasury and state laws.

This account of Saturn is based on Myths and Legends of Ancient Greece and Rome by E. M. Berens, published in 1880.

Saturn in Roman Mythology

Text: Myths and Legends of Ancient Greece and Rome | Author: E.M. Berens | Published: 1880

The Romans, according to their custom of identifying their deities with those of the Greek gods whose attributes were similar to their own, declared Cronus to be identical with their old agricultural divinity Saturn. They believed that after his defeat in the Titanomachia and his banishment from his dominions by Zeus, he took refuge with Janus, king of Italy, who received the exiled deity with great kindness, and even shared his throne with him. Their united reign became so thoroughly peaceful and happy, and was distinguished by such uninterrupted prosperity, that it was called the Golden Age.

Saturn is usually represented bearing a sickle in the one hand and a wheat-sheaf in the other.

A temple was erected to him at the foot of the Capitoline Hill, in which were deposited the public treasury and the laws of the state.