For the ancient Romans, the Lares were the protective gods of the family and household, privately venerated inside the domus together with the Penates, gods of the pantry, and Vesta, goddess of the hearth.
According to a legend described by Ovid, the Lares were twins born to the nymph Lara, who watched over the fortunes of the household and was worshipped daily by all members of the family.
