Italic and Roman goddess, protector of forests and wild animals, and of nature in general.
Similar attributes can be found in Eastern deities including the Greek Artemis, daughter of Zeus and Leto, and twin sister of the god Apollo.
In keeping with her role, she is also invoked to help hunters. Her fundamental attributes are represented with hunter’s clothing, a bow, arrows and quiver on her shoulder, and often accompanied by animals.
The most important sanctuary dedicated to her was located near Lake Nemi, on the Alban Hills, surrounded by a wood called nemus aricinum.
