MINERVA

Roman mythology

The Roman goddess of wisdom, medicine, the arts, dyeing, science and trade, but
also of war. As Minerva Medica she is the patroness of physicians. She is the
daughter of Jupiter. In the temple on the Capitoline Hill she was worshipped
together with Jupiter and Juno, with whom she formed a powerful triad of gods.
Another temple of her was located on the Aventine Hill. The church of Santa
Maria sopra Minerva is built on one of her temples. Every year from March 19th -
23rd the Quinquatria was held, the primary Minerva Festival. This festival was
mainly celebrated by artisans but also by students. On June 13th the minor
Quinquatrus was observed.

Minerva is believed to be the inventor of numbers and musical instruments. She
is thought to be of Etruscan origin, as the goddess Menrva or Menerva. Later she
was equated with the Greek Athena.