grove of Diana Nemorensis

The grove of Diana Nemorensis was a significant site in Roman religion, dedicated to the goddess Diana. Diana was the goddess of wild animals, the hunt, and was also associated with domestic animals and fertility, aiding women in conception and childbirth. She was identified with the Greek goddess Artemis.1

The most famous sanctuary for Diana was located in this grove, situated on the shores of Lake Nemi near Rome. This shrine was a common place of worship for the cities of the Latin League. Associated with Diana at Aricia were Egeria, a water spirit who also protected childbirth, and the hero Virbius. A unique custom at this sanctuary required the priest to be a runaway slave who had to kill his predecessor in combat. Diana was also seen as a protector of the lower classes, including slaves, with her festival on the Ides of August being a holiday for them.12