| dc.description.abstract | This thesis focuses on the ancient Roman attitudes concerning both the Roman goddess Fortuna and the sea. A comparison between the manner in which ancient Roman authors portrayed both the sea and Fortuna in literature explains the copious maritime motifs that were commonly associated with Fortuna on coinage, statuary, and other media. Additionally, this thesis will also demonstrate the reason behind the cult of Fortuna’s popularity amongst ancient Roman seafarers. This study will not only make it easier to understand why Fortuna was commonly depicted wielding maritime objects, such as gubernacula (steering oars), in place of other objects, but will also the reason explore why ancient authors perceived both the sea and Fortuna as unreliable entities. | en |
