Aventinus (mythology)

In Roman mythology, Aventinus is the name given to two distinct figures.

Aventinus, King of Alba Longa: One Aventinus is listed as one of the Alban Kings, a line of legendary rulers who reigned in Alba Longa after Aeneas's son Ascanius and before Romulus and Remus founded Rome. He is said to have reigned for 37 years, and was succeeded by Procas. His reign is placed approximately in the 9th or 8th century BC. Information about this Aventinus is scant and often based on later Roman writers trying to fill out the legendary history of their city.

Aventinus, Son of Hercules: The other Aventinus is a son of Hercules (Heracles) and the priestess Rhea. He is said to have been killed by Turnus, king of the Rutulians, in the war between Aeneas and Turnus as recounted in Virgil's Aeneid. He is often associated with the Aventine Hill in Rome, one of the Seven Hills, and is sometimes said to have given his name to it. However, the etymology of the hill's name is debated, with other possibilities including the aves (birds) found there or an early Sabinian settlement. Some accounts portray him as a warrior who led troops in support of Aeneas. The association with Hercules links him to a lineage considered foundational to Rome's identity and power.