InRoman mythology and ancientreligion,Clementia is the goddess ofclemency, leniency, mercy, forgiveness, penance, redemption,absolution, acquittal, and salvation.[1]
She was defined as a celebrated virtue ofJulius Caesar, who was famed for his forbearance, especially followingCaesar's civil war with Pompey from 49 BC. In 44 BC, a temple was consecrated to her by the Roman Senate, possibly at Caesar's instigation as Caesar was keen to demonstrate that he had this virtue.
In a letter to his friendAtticus,Cicero is discussing Caesar'sclementia: "You will say they are frightened. I dare say they are, but I'll be bound they're more frightened of Pompey than of Caesar. They are delighted with his artful clemency and fear the other's wrath." Again inPro rege Deiotaro (For King Deiotarus) Cicero discusses Caesar's virtue ofclementia.
There is not much information surrounding Clementia's cult; it would seem that she was merely an abstraction of a particular virtue, one that was revered in conjunction with revering Caesar and theRoman state.[citation needed] Clementia was seen as a good trait within a leader, it also theLatin word for "humanity" or "forbearance". This is opposed toSaevitia which was savagery and bloodshed. Yet, she was the Roman counterpart ofEleos,[citation needed] (not to be confused withSoteria), theGreek goddess of mercy and forgiveness who had a shrine inAthens.
In traditional imagery, she is depicted holding a branch (possibly anolive tree branch) and a scepter and may be leaning on a column.
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