Indigetes

Roman religion

Also known as: Di Indigetes, Di Indigites, Indigites

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Last updated

June 29, 2026

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The term "Indigetes" refers to deified ancestors or spirits who controlled Rome's destiny. This concept is part of early Roman religion, which often saw divine force in human activities and natural phenomena. The Romans believed in numerous functional deities, each with a specific role, and it was crucial to address them by their correct names and titles to ensure their favor. The Di Indigetes were collectively revered, and the name is also applied to figures like Aeneas, whose mythical journey led to Rome's founding. This veneration of ancestors and deified powers formed a core aspect of Roman religious and social life.1

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Roman religion
The earliest divinities
Di Indigetes was a name given collectively to these forebears, as well as to other deified powers or spirits who likewise controlled the destiny of Rome. For example, the name Indiges is applied to Aeneas, whose mythical immigration from Troy led to the eventual foundation of…
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Di Indigetes was a name given collectively to these forebears, as well as to other deified powers or spirits who likewise controlled the destiny of Rome. For example, the name Indiges is applied to Aeneas, whose mythical immigration from Troy led to the eventual foundation of…
Read More