Victrix

A surname of Venus as the goddess of victory, particularly worshiped in the Roman colonies. A theater and temple were dedicated to Venus Victrix by Pompeius in his second consulship (55 BCE). Another shrine was located on the Capitoline Hill. Fabius Fabricianis, having taken Taxium, the chief city of the Samnites, sent to Rome the image of Venus Victrix, which among them was held in great veneration.

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Iconography

She is depicted leaning on a pillar, holding a spear in her left hand and a Victory in her right. A Cupid stands before her holding her helmet. Her shield is placed against the pillar. She is also shown with an apple in her hand, and in others drinking from a patera.

References

Sources

  • Pliny the Elder. Naturalis Historia viii, 7.
  • Plutarch. Pompey xxii, 655; Parallela minora, 37.
  • Tertullian. ap. Aelius Donatus, iii, 8.