Mercury (mythology)

:This article treats Mercury in cult practice and in archaic Rome. For later mythological and poetic accounts, see Hermes.

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Mercury was believed to be a god, also known as the god of trade, profit and commerce. His name is apparently derived from the Latin merx or mercator, a merchant. He is very similar to the Greek god Hermes and the Etruscan Turms.

Related Topics:
God - Profit - Commerce - Latin - Greek - Hermes - Etruscan - Turms

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Mercury's temple in the Circus Maximus, between the Aventine and Palatine hills, was built in 495 BC. This was a fitting place to worship a god of trade and swiftness, since it was a major center of commerce as well as a racetrack. Since it stood between the plebeian stronghold on the Aventine and the patrician center on the Palatine, it also emphasized the role of Mercury as a mediator.

Related Topics:
Circus Maximus - Aventine - Palatine - 495 BC

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On May 15, the Mercuralia was held in his honor; merchants sprinkled water from his sacred well near the Porta Capena on their heads.

Related Topics:
May 15 - Mercuralia - Porta Capena

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Mercury became extremely popular among the nations the Roman Empire conquered. In the Roman syncretism, he was equated with the Celtic god Lugus and the Germanic god Wotan.

Related Topics:
Roman Empire - Syncretism - Celt - Lugus - Germanic - Wotan

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He was called Mercurius{{audio|La-cls-Mercurius.ogg|listen}} in Latin and was also known as Alipes ("with the winged feet").

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Often identified in Classical art by his characteristic petasos and caduceus.

Related Topics:
Petasos - Caduceus

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See also: Dei Lucrii

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