Basilica of Mercury

Mercury was the god of travel and trade and therefore considered important to the success of the Empire. Son of Jupiter from an illicit relationship with Maia, goddess of the clouds, Mercury watched over 'proper' merchants and 'less formal merchants' in the shape of thieves! Both groups prayed to him for favourable outcomes to their commercial transactions. Mercury was closely identified with the Greek god Hermes. The planet Mercury was believed to be the fastest moving by Roman astrologers. There was a temple to Mercury in the Circus Maximus because of his association with speed, and charioteers would pay homage before races. Worshipped across the Empire, he later became popular with Celtic and Germanic tribes. As the messenger of the gods, Mercury is still associated with communication and news and many modern newspapers use his name. Today he is still distantly recalled in the name of 'Mesurii dies' (Wednesday) and the day dedicated to him: 'Mercredi' in French and 'Miercoles' in Spanish.