Fortuna was originally an Italic fertility goddess, literally the bringer of fertility. According to tradition she was worshipped since the reign of the legendary Ancus Marcius and her cult was formally introduced by Servius Tullius. She had a temple in the Forum Boarium and a sanctuary on the Quirinal. Her name appears to derive from the Etruscan deity Voltumna - 'she who revolves the year'. As Fortuna she personifies not only good luck or fortune (of the emperor, the people, or the entire Roman state), but also the balance between prosperity and misfortune. She is also identified with Tyche, the Greek goddess of chance. Her attributes include a rudder (emblematic of fortuitous guidance); a rudder resting on globe; a cornucopia (horn of plenty); occasionally a wheel; an olive branch or a patera. |
The reverse of a denarius (above left) from the reign of Nerva (AD 96 - 98), depicts Fortune standing, holding an anchor and cornucopia - both legend and imagery convey the general idea that under the steadfast guidance of the present emperor all was well in the Roman empire. Fortune also smiled on the emperor Probus from AD 276 on during several of his military campaigns. Probus successfully secured Roman frontiers and his endeavours in Egypt included the reconstruction of various bridges, canals and the maintenance of a secure food supply for Rome. The political message of a fortuitous reign under his leadership features prominently in coinage from these turbulent times. A tetradrachm from Alexandria (above right) shows Tyche standing, holding a rudder and cornucopia. However, in AD 282 Probus' luck turned when he was assassinated by his own troops after they had defected to another soldier-emperor, his successor Carus. |