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The Roman god Quirinus was the deification of Romulus, the founder of Rome. He was served by the Flamen Quirinalis, one of the three major flamines who served the oldest gods of Rome. His festival, the Quirinalis, was celebrated on February 17th.

Connections to Other Gods

His consort and cult partner was Hora, patron of the seasons.

Historical Development

He was originally a Sabine god, assimilated into the state cult of Rome when Rome annexed the Quirinal, a fortified settlement for whom Quirinus was the eponymous. He was originally a storm and thunder god. Under Greek influence, he lost his original attributes to Iuppiter, but continued, with Iuppiter and Mars, to form the triad of sky gods. By the time of the late Republic, he had become the deified form of Romulus. Prominent in early Rome, he faded into obscurity in later times.

Cult

The festival of Quirinus, called the Quirinalia was celebrated on February 17th. However, very little is known about his cult. His sacred tree was the myrtle.

Iconography

Quirinus was depicted as a bearded man, wearing a combination of military and clerical clothing.