The Dioscuri were of Greek origin, but became part of Roman religion via Etruria where they were known as Kastur and Pultuke. In mythology the Dioscuri (also known as Castor and Pollux; Kastor and Polydeukes; the Tyndaridae; the Gemini or heavenly twins) were the twin sons of Leda. Pollux was fathered by Jupiter (Zeus) and Castor by the mortal Tyndareus. Castor and Pollux shared their immortality as a gift from Jupiter. They were worshipped as divinities in the Graeco-Roman world where they were regarded as guardians of travellers and patrons of mariners. |
At Rome they were renowned for their excellence both as skilled hunters and exceptional horsemen. On July 15 each year, Roman equestrians in full military attire paraded through the streets of the city in celebration of the heavenly twins, who, according to legend, having just spearheaded the Romans in the first great battle of the young Republic, the Battle of Lake Regillus (496 BC), appeared miraculously in the Roman forum to announce the Roman victory over the Latins and Tarquinii. This event is portrayed on coins of the gens Postumia, as depicted in example B above: the twins rest on their spears while watering their white horses at the fountain of Juturna. Republican moneyers also depicted the conjoined [ A ] or janiform [ D ] heads of these mythical horsemen on the obverses of denarii. |
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Other representations on coin reverses show the twins as two naked men: front facing; helmeted; both standing and holding their spears; with a horse on each side, and a star above each head [ C ]. Shown left, the Dioscuri appear most frequently on horseback, at a gallop; wearing purple chlamydes; helmeted; carrying spears; wearing conical caps (pilei), with a star above each head. They are said to have reappeared in Rome after the battle of Pydna in 168 BC, and at Caesar's funeral. Sometimes they are shown proceeding in opposite directions. They occur very rarely on Imperial coins [ E ]. |
