The personification of the goddess of triumph in ancient Roman religion was Victoria.
She was allied with the goddesses Bellona and Roma and is the Roman equivalent of the Greek goddess Nike. She had a temple on Palatine Hill and was based on the Sabine agriculture goddess Vacuna. Sometimes, Victoria was mistaken for the deity Vica Pota. Victoria is frequently referred to be the sister of Zelus, Kratos, and Bia and the daughter of Pallas and Styx.
In contrast to the Greek Nike, who was renowned for winning in competitive sports like chariot racing, Victoria was a representation of triumph over death and determined who would win the battle. Victoria is shown ascending a globe on both coins and diamonds. Roman official iconography frequently featured winged figures, or “winged triumphs,” which were generally shown in pairs, floating high in a composition and frequently filled spandrels or other architectural gaps.
Featured image: Victoria (Nike) on an antique fresco from Pompeii
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