MAGNA MATER (CYBELE): GODDESS OF ROME

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 During the Second Punic War (218-201 B.C.E.), the Roman Senate consulted the Sibylline Books for advice. After demolishing the Roman army at Cannae, Hannibal was marching on Rome. Panicked, the Senate needed to hear from the Gods. The Sibylline Books offered this oracle: “War would end in victory by an Idaean Mother of Pessinus.” Meanwhile, a group of ambassadors reported back from Delphi, that the Oracle gave a similar prophesy. Therefore, the Sente arranged to have Cybele (the Idaean Mother) to come to Rome from Anatolia. The patricians greeted Her Sacred Black Stone and brought it to the temple of the Goddess of Victory. Rome was saved.

 

Unlike other foreign Gods, Cybele, the Phrygian Mother had a temple within the City Limits of Rome (the Pomerium). Now known as the Magna Mater deorum Idaera (the Great Mother of the Gods from Mount Ida), She had her own temple on Palatine Hill. During his reign Claudius (41-54 C.E.) gave her cultus official recognition. In addition, the Hilaria (“Passion of Attis”) was encouraged to honor her Son and Lover, Attis.

 

The Magna Mater is considered to be the Goddess of Wild Nature and of Fertility. The Goddess is depicted either riding a lion or having her chariot pulled by lions. She is also shown on a throne with a bowl and drum.

 

The Megalesia, festival for Cybele, the Magna Mater, started April 4 and continued to April 10. The Megalesia was the Romans’ offer of gratitude to the Magna Mater for saving their City. Also, this festival commemorated her arrival in Rome. Meanwhile, the Hilaria was held for Attis from March 15 to March 25.

 

The Megalesia consisted of theatrical shows and mutual banquets (mutitationes) given by the Senators. The shows were held on the steps of her temple. On the final day of the festival, chariot races were held at the Circus Maximus.

 

The last day of the Megalesia, the Grand Procession went from her temple to the Circus Maximus. The statue of the Goddess, on a chariot drawn by lions, was taken on a bier. During the procession, the Galli (her priests) (Note 1) made a loud din with flutes and hand drums. While in a frenzy, they cut themselves with knives to offer their blood to the Goddess. They also collected alms during the procession. Scandalous by Roman standards, Romans were not allowed to take part. However, they could watch.

 

Notes:

Note 1. The Galli were castrated men, and not Roman citizens.