September 26th: The Festival of Venus Genetrix, the Politician’s Sweetheart | History and...

On September 26, 46 BC, Julius Caesar dedicated a temple to his mythical ancestor Venus Genetrix in accordance with a vow he made at the Battle of Pharsalus. An excerpt from the article:

"The 26th September 46BC was the day of Caesar’s quadruple triumph over his political rivals after the civil wars. The newly consolidated dictator marked his victory with the traditional triumphal procession through the city. Then, at his newly built forum, he held the dedication ceremony for another new civic feature: a new temple to the Goddess Venus Genetrix.

Caesar regarded Venus as his divine ancestress through her son, Aeneas. However, he also saw her as his heavenly patroness. In 48BC, before the decisive Battle of Pharsalus that led to the consolidated of his power, Caesar prayed to Venus for victory and vowed her a temple. A streak of fire then burst from his camp to that of his rival Pompey Magnus-a sign, to Caesar of the goddess’s acceptance."