god
the Penates
also: di penates, deos penatis, household gods
The Penates, guardian gods of the household and of the Roman state's hearth; 'the household gods' stand throughout these speeches for hearth, home, and fatherland.
Reading notes
- The Histories §Cott.1 my household gods
The Penates; Cotta swears by hearth, fatherland, and supreme command that he is no traitor.
- The Histories §Pomp.1 the household gods
The Penates, named with fatherland in Pompey's protestation of loyalty.
- The Histories §Phil.4 household gods
The Penates, guardian gods of household and state; here, as throughout, they stand for hearth, home, and fatherland.