Bona Dea
Culture & Region
Ancient Rome
Time Period
c. 3rd century BCE onwards
Domains
Fertilityhealingchastitywomen's ritessecret mysteries
Symbols & Animals
Snakemedicinal herbssowwine (renamed 'milk')
Sacred Sites & Cult Centers
- Aventine Hill
- Roman homes (December rites)
Key Myths & Stories
Men forbidden from rites; mysterious identity; wine scandal of 62 BCE
Related Deities
Possibly = Fauna/Maia; women-only mystery cult