The goddess Ferentina served as the protector of Ferentinum in Latium.
She served as the Latin Commonwealth’s guardian. She had a strong connection to the Roman Empire as well. The first meeting of the chiefs of the Latin cities with Lucius Tarquinius Superbus, the last ruler of Rome, took place in a grove dedicated to the goddess. Turnus Herdonius, a prominent Arician, was killed on Tarquinius’ orders by drowning him in the grove’s holy waters. The holy forest is mentioned in Gaius Marcius Coriolanus’ history as well.
Attius Tullus Aufidius, the Volscian commander, planned to cause problems at Rome by having the Volsci expelled from the city during the Great Games in 491 BC. Attius talked to the evacuating Volsci in Ferentina’s grove and incited their animosity toward Rome. A battle between Rome and the Volsci resulted from Attius’ efforts.
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