Saturn was the ancient Roman god of fertility, especially of agriculture. Although Saturn was worshipped as a god, he was considered to be an early king of Latium. He is believed to have brought cultivation to Rome, and with it, civilization. His time of rule was considered to be a golden age. Saturn was often identified with the Greek Titan Cronus, but Cronus was considered to be very violent- Saturn was peaceful. Many believed that Jupiter chased Saturn out of Olympus, and Saturn came to Italy to rule. Saturn was usually worshipped together with his wife Ops, the agricultural goddess of sowing and harvest. (Ops was later aligned with Rhea.) In the winter, Saturn had a very important festival called the Saturnalia. During Saturnalia, wars and disputes ended, people gave gifts to one another, and even slaves were allowed extra liberties. The slaves would be given huge fees as their masters served. The day Saturday was named after him.

ACTIVITIES:
Saturn activity

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

The Lesser Deities

The Underworld

FOOTNOTES:
It is believed that Saturn came to Italy when Janus was ruler. Janus welcomed him, and Saturn taught the people how to tame the grape vine, and how to sow and harvest. The time of Saturn's reign was praised as a time when cares were unknown, and innocence, freedom, and gladness ruled throughout the land.

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