Fors Fortuna

On this day in ancient history: June 24:

This was the day of the Fors Fortuna festival in ancient Rome. Ovid describes this festive celebration in his Fasti Book VI. Here is a public domain translation of the relevant passage:

"How quickly has come round the festival
of Fors Fortuna ! Yet seven days and June will be
over. Come, Quirites, celebrate with joy the
goddess Fors ! On Tiber's bank she has her
royal foundations. Speed some of you on foot,
and some in the swift boat, and think no shame to
return tipsy home from your ramble. Ye flower-
crowned skiffs, bear bands of youthful revellers,
and let them quaff deep draughts of wine on the
bosom of the stream. The common folk worship
this goddess because the founder of her temple is
said to have been of their number and to have risen
to the crown from humble rank. Her worship is
also appropriate for slaves, because Tullius, who
instituted the neighbouring temples of the fickle
goddess, was born of a slave woman."

1931 Loeb translation, by Sir James G. Frazer

Related:

• Roman Slavery
• 7 Early Kings of Rome
• Roman Calendar Terminology
• Preferred Roman Wine

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