In ancient Rome, Murcia was a little-known goddess. She goes by Venus as a last name.
She supposedly had a temple at the base of the Aventine Hill, close to the Palatine Hill, according to Livy. The term murtius (= murcius) was used to describe the turning-posts of the Circus Maximus, which was likewise located in a valley between the Aventine and the Palatine Hills. Murcus is thought to have been an earlier name for the Aventine Hill itself. Folk etymology connected the name Murcia to the Latin word for the myrtle tree, thus the spellings Murtia and Murtea. Venus of the Myrtles was given this name because of her connection to the myrtle, a Venusian sign.
Weird Italy, Guide to Unusual & Amazing Places to see in Italy. Italy’s news in English: Art, History & Facts
