Summanus

Summanus was a Roman god of nocturnal thunder. He was considered less important than Jupiter, the god of diurnal (daytime) thunder, but nonetheless held a place in Roman religious practice.

Origin and Etymology: The etymology of the name "Summanus" is debated. Some scholars suggest it derives from sub-manus, meaning "under hand," possibly indicating a god operating in a hidden or less obvious manner. Others propose a connection to summus, meaning "highest," which, although seemingly contradictory considering his association with nighttime, could relate to the peak of thunderous storms. The uncertainty surrounding his name reflects the ambiguity of his role in the Roman pantheon.

Worship and Temples: Summanus had a temple in Rome, said to have been dedicated after a statue of the god miraculously appeared during the reign of Tarquinius Superbus. According to tradition, the temple was struck by lightning shortly after its dedication, damaging the statue's head – an event interpreted as a sign of Summanus's power and the unpredictable nature of divine will. Offerings to Summanus typically consisted of cakes called summanalia, made from flour, bran, and milk.

Role and Associations: Summanus was associated with nocturnal thunderstorms, sudden lightning strikes at night, and the unpredictable and sometimes destructive power of nature. Unlike Jupiter, who was seen as bringing beneficial rain and maintaining cosmic order, Summanus embodied the more chaotic and frightening aspects of storms. He was also sometimes linked to agriculture and the protection of crops from nocturnal damage.

Decline and Obscurity: The worship of Summanus declined over time, particularly as the prominence of Jupiter increased. Eventually, Summanus faded into relative obscurity within the Roman pantheon, his role largely overshadowed by the more powerful and widely venerated gods. He is primarily known today through surviving literary references and archaeological discoveries related to his temple.