Quirinus was the Roman deification of Romulus, the founder of Rome. He had a warlike nature, and was worshipped together with the war goddess Bellona. As Romulus, he was twin brother of Remus, and the son of the god Mars. His mother was a vestal virgin. Being exposed at birth, he nursed from a she-wolf, and was eventually raised by herdsmen. When they reached manhood, Romulus and Remus returned to claim their birthright, which was Rome. Romulus named Rome after himself. Romulus and Remus established festivals, such as the Palilia and Lupercalia (which commemorated the nursing by a wolf). Remus died, and later Romulus was carried to heaven on a bolt of lightning, where he became Quirinus.

ACTIVITIES:
Quirinus activity

KEY TEST WORDS:(Know the material behind these items.)

The Underworld

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SOURCES:
Jane Smith
Edith Hamilton's Mythology
Bulfinch's Mythology
The Encyclopedia of Mythology, by Eric Flaum
Manual of Mythology, by Alexander S. Murray