Numicus

Numicus was an ancient river deity in Roman mythology, associated with the small river of the same name located in Latium, near Lavinium. He was considered a minor god, often connected with events in the early history of Rome and the founding of Lavinium.

According to legend, Numicus played a role in the story of Aeneas. After Aeneas landed in Italy, he eventually defeated Turnus and married Lavinia. The river Numicus was said to have played a role in Aeneas's disappearance, some versions of the myth stating that he drowned in its waters and was subsequently deified, becoming the god Jupiter Indiges. Other accounts suggest that he simply vanished near the river.

The river Numicus was also considered sacred, and rituals were performed on its banks. The supposed tomb or shrine of Aeneas was located near the river, reinforcing its importance as a site of historical and religious significance. Its connection to Aeneas cemented its place in the foundational narratives of Roman civilization.

While not a major deity with a large following, Numicus was important locally and represented the sacredness attributed to natural features in Roman religion and mythology. The river itself was a tangible link to the past, especially the legendary era of Aeneas and the founding of Lavinium, which predated Rome itself.