Classics Tutor

Classics Tutor

Faunus

The Rustic God of Prophecy

Donald Donato's avatar
Donald Donato
Sep 23, 2025
∙ Paid

Lurking in the immense antiquity of the Italic peoples of central Italy is Faunus, an ancient deity of the countryside, associated with forests, fields, and flocks. He was also considered a source of prophecy and was sometimes equated with the Greek god Pan. The worship of Faunus was particularly popular among rural communities.

House of the Faun, Pompeii (Copy of the original, 1st c. BCE). Photo by Álvaro Pérez Vilariño

User's avatar

Continue reading this post for free, courtesy of Donald Donato.

Or purchase a paid subscription.
© 2026 Donald Donato · Privacy ∙ Terms ∙ Collection notice
Start your SubstackGet the app
Substack is the home for great culture