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On This Day·Ancient Rome·Imperial Rome

On This Day: The Day of Felicitas’s Temple

April 16: Romans honored Felicitas—the goddess of luck and prosperity—at her temple’s birthday. Good fortune didn’t just happen. It had an address.

On This Day: The Day of Felicitas’s Temple

Annibale Carracci — "The Coronation of the Virgin" (after 1595), public domain

A birthday for Luck itself.

April 16 marked the dedication day—dies natalis—of the Temple of Felicitas in Rome. Offerings flowed in, from flower garlands to coins, as hopeful citizens paused to honor the goddess who decided fates.

Luck, by bricks and prayers.

Romans didn’t trust fortune to chance. They built Felicitas a home in the city, giving luck a face and an altar. From generals to shopkeepers, everyone wanted a bit of her favor—especially when times turned rough.

The Temple of Felicitas was more than stone—it was a promise that Rome’s luck could be summoned, worshipped, and, just maybe, controlled.

Three minutes a day.

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