Sancus
Sancus, a deity of the Sabines <*>worshipped at Rome)
- a deity of the Sabines, also worshipped at Rome; the same as Dius Fidius and Semo, Varr. L. L. 5, § 66 Müll.; Ov. F. 6, 213 sq.; Liv. 8, 20; 32, 1; Prop. 4 (5), 9, 74 (Müll. sanctus); Sil. 8, 422; Fest. s. v. praedia, p. 238 Müll.; id. s. v. propter, p. 229 ib.; Lact. 1, 15, 8; Aug. Civ. Dei, 18, 19; and v. Semo.
SANGUS, or Semo SANCUS, a Roman divinity, is said to have been originally a Sabine god, and identical with Hercules and Dius Fidius. (Lactant. 1.15; Ov. Fast. 6.216; Propert. 4.9,74; Sil. Ital. 8.421.) The name which is etymologically the same as Sanctus, and connected with Sancire, seems to justify this belief, and characterises Sancus as a divinity presiding over oaths. Sancus also had a temple at Rome, on the Quirinal, opposite that of Quirinus, and close by the gate which derived from him the name of Sanqualis porta. This sanctuary was the same as that of Dius Fidius, which had been consecrated in the year B. C. 465 by Sp. Postumius, but was said to have been founded by Tarquinius Superbus (Liv. 8.20, 32.1; Dionys. A. R. 9.60; Ov. Fast. 6.213, &c.), and the ancients thoroughly identified their Dius Fidius with Sancus. He is accordingly regarded as the protector of the marriage oath, of the law of nations, and the law of hospitality. (Dionys. A. R. 4.58 ; Varro, De Ling. Lat. 5.66.) Sancus is said to have been the father of the Sabine hero Sabus. (Dionys. A. R. 2.49; August. de Civ. Dei, 18.19 ; Lactant. l.c.) [L.S]
- a deity of the Sabines (worshipped at Rome), L., O., Pr.
Usually called Semo Sancus. (See Semones.) A genius worshipped by the Sabines, Umbrians, and Romans, representing holiness and good faith in human life. In Rome he was principally worshipped under the name Deus Fidius (from fides, “faith”) as god of oaths, god of the public laws of hospitality and of nations, also of international intercourse and of the safety of the roads, which were placed under his protection. An oath in his name could be taken only under the open sky; therefore even his temple had a hole in the roof, and, when an oath by him was taken at home, the man swearing went into the uncovered court. On account of many points of resemblance he was identified with Hercules. He had a temple on the Quirinal (the foundation of which was celebrated June 5th), and another on the island in the Tiber (Ovid, Fasti, vi. 213-218).