Angitia is a mythical creature that was worshiped by the pre-Roman Italic and Oscan-Umbrian peoples of central Italy. She was believed to have persisted as a domestic cult figure well into the Roman Republic. The goddess was especially revered by the Marsi, a warlike tribe of people who lived to the east of Rome in the Apennine Mountains.
According to Gnaeus Gellius, Angitia was one of the three daughters of Aeëtes, along with Medea and Circe, two of the most famed sorceresses of Greek myth. Medea ended up in Italy, where her son ruled over the Marsi, thanks to Circe’s use of transformation spells. Angitia was believed to have been once a being who actually lived in that neighborhood, taught the people remedies against the poison of serpents, and had derived her name from being able to kill serpents by her incantations.
The mythology about Angitia is diverse. She was associated with snakes and healing, and was believed to have the power to control and kill serpents. Her cult was particularly strong among the Marsi, who regarded her as a powerful goddess and protector. The worship of Angitia persisted long after the Roman conquest of Italy, and her name appears in many inscriptions and votive offerings throughout the region.
Origins of Angitia
Ancient Sources
Angitia is an ancient goddess among the pre-Roman Italic and Oscan-Umbrian peoples of central Italy. She was also worshipped by the Marsi, the Paeligni, and other Oscan-Umbrian peoples. According to ancient sources, Angitia was associated with snake-charmers who claimed her as their ancestor. The Marsi, an ancient Central Italian tribe, claimed descent from Circe’s son, and their chief deity was his daughter, Angitia, a snake-charming sorceress who learned her craft directly from her grandma.
Cultural Significance
Angitia was believed to have persisted as a domestic cult figure well into the Roman Republic. Her myths vary, but she was associated with healing, medicine, and magic. The Marsi were renowned for their knowledge of snake charming and healing arts, which they believed were gifts bestowed upon them by Angitia. As a deity of protection and healing, Angitia was also seen as a force to be reckoned with.
In summary, Angitia was an ancient goddess worshipped by the pre-Roman Italic and Oscan-Umbrian peoples of central Italy. She was associated with snake-charmers and was believed to have persisted as a domestic cult figure well into the Roman Republic. The Marsi claimed descent from her and were renowned for their knowledge of snake charming and healing arts, which they believed were gifts bestowed upon them by Angitia.
Characteristics of Angitia
Depictions in Art
Angitia is often depicted in art as a woman holding a snake or surrounded by snakes. She is also sometimes depicted with wings or a serpent’s tail. In some depictions, she is shown with a staff or wand, which is believed to represent her power over snakes.
Symbolic Attributes
Angitia is associated with healing and protection, particularly from snake bites. She is also associated with magic and witchcraft, as well as with the underworld. In some myths, she is said to have the power to transform into a serpent or to control snakes with her voice.
Overall, Angitia is a complex and mysterious figure in mythology, with a range of symbolic attributes and depictions in art. Her association with snakes and healing makes her an important figure in the mythology of central Italy, and her legacy continues to be celebrated in modern-day festivals and rituals.
Angitia in Mythology
Legends and Stories
Angitia was a goddess among the Marsi, the Paeligni and other Oscan-Umbrian peoples of central Italy. She was associated in antiquity with snake-charmers who claimed her as their ancestor. According to legends, Angitia was believed to have once lived in the neighborhood of Lake Fucinus where she taught the people remedies against the poison of serpents. Her name was derived from her ability to kill serpents by her incantations. The Marsi, who were renowned for their knowledge of snake charming and healing arts, believed that these gifts were bestowed upon them by Angitia.
Associations with Other Deities
Angitia was also associated with other deities. In Roman mythology, she was often associated with Mars, the god of war, and was believed to be his daughter. She was also associated with Medea and Circe, two of the most well-known sorceresses in Greek mythology. According to Gnaeus Gellius, Medea ended up in Italy, where her son reigned over the Marsi, thanks to Circe’s use of transformation spells.
In pre-Roman Italic and Oscan-Umbrian cultures, Angitia was believed to have persisted as a domestic cult figure well into the Roman Republic. Her myths vary, but she was generally seen as a deity of protection and healing, as well as a force to be reckoned with. Angitia’s association with snakes and snake-charming made her a particularly powerful figure in the eyes of the Marsi, who believed that she had the power to heal and protect them from these dangerous creatures.
Worship of Angitia
Cult Practices
Angitia, the serpent goddess, was revered by the Marsi people of ancient Italy. The cult of Angitia involved a variety of practices, including serpent worship, divination, and healing. The Marsi believed that Angitia had the power to cure snake bites and other ailments, and they would often offer sacrifices of snakes to her in exchange for her protection.
The cult of Angitia was also associated with sorcery and magic. According to legend, Angitia was a skilled sorceress who could control snakes and use them to do her bidding. The Marsi believed that she could also use her powers to heal the sick and predict the future. As a result, Angitia was often invoked by those seeking guidance or protection.
Historical Sites of Worship
There are several historical sites in Italy associated with the worship of Angitia. One of the most famous is the sanctuary of Angitia at Sulmona, which was built in the 4th century BCE. The sanctuary was dedicated to Angitia and was believed to be a place of healing and divination. It was also a place where the Marsi could offer sacrifices to Angitia in exchange for her protection.
Another important site associated with the worship of Angitia is the temple of Angitia at Luco dei Marsi. The temple was built in the 3rd century BCE and was dedicated to Angitia and her daughter, Ancharia. The temple was believed to be a place of healing and was often visited by those seeking to be cured of snake bites or other ailments.
Overall, the worship of Angitia was an important part of ancient Italian culture. The cult of Angitia was associated with healing, divination, and sorcery, and was revered by the Marsi people. Today, the legacy of Angitia lives on in the historical sites and legends associated with her worship.
Angitia’s Influence
Literary References
Angitia, a deity among the pre-Roman Italic and Oscan-Umbrian peoples of central Italy, was believed to have persisted as a domestic cult figure well into the Roman Republic. According to Gnaeus Gellius, Angitia was one of the three daughters of Aeëtes, along with Medea and Circe, two of the most famed sorceresses of Greek myth. Angitia was often depicted with snakes and was believed to have the power to cure diseases and protect against venomous creatures.
Modern Interpretations
Angitia’s influence is still felt in modern times, particularly in the region of southern Samnium. The Marsi, a people living in the central Apennines, were renowned for their knowledge of snake charming and healing arts, which they believed were gifts bestowed upon them by Angitia. Today, Angitia is often associated with the serpent goddess and is recognized as a powerful symbol of protection and healing.
In popular culture, Angitia has been referenced in various works of literature and art. For instance, the Italian poet Gabriele D’Annunzio used Angitia as a symbol of the ancient Samnite culture in his work, “The Triumph of Death.” Additionally, Angitia has been depicted in various films and television shows, often as a powerful sorceress or healer.
Overall, Angitia’s influence has been felt throughout history and continues to inspire artists and writers today. Her association with snakes and healing arts has made her a symbol of protection and strength, and her legacy will undoubtedly continue to inspire future generations.