THE LARES

The Roman worshipped several kinds of spirit called Lares on special days and major family occasion. Some of these were. malevolent spirits who haunted crossroads and had to be pacified with offerings, while others were kinder rural spirits who brough good crops. Perhaps the most widely worshipped Lares were the benevolent twin gods who protected Roman household.
They were the son of Mania, the goddess of madness, and Mercury, the messenger of the gods, but they also had a close link. with Diana, the goddess of the hunt. The Lares were said to barrow Dianas hound and use them to chase away any thieves or criminals who might threaten any of the household where they were worshipped . Biside havinh statue of the Lares in the home,Romans also hung an image of Mania at their front doors to ward off evildoers.

The Lares were household gods who were worshipped at home shrines and at the hearth. They were often depicted as dancing youths with a horn, cup, and a bowl, and accompanied by symbolic serpent.

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