Discover the Divine: Top 14 Fascinating and Fun Facts About Juno, the Roman Goddess

1. Peacock-Wielding Pregnant Bride of War

You might mistake her for a peacock-wielding pregnant bride going off to war: Juno, the Roman Goddess, was actually associated with marriage and childbirth, fertility, and warfare, and was often depicted donning a goatskin cloak while armed like the Greek goddess Athena.
Source => en.wikipedia.org

2. Goatskin Fashion Face-Off

Who wore it better: Juno or Athena? Turns out, these goddesses had an ancient fashion face-off over a stylish goatskin cloak: Juno, the Roman goddess, was often depicted donning a goatskin cloak, borrowed from her Greek counterpart, Athena, reflecting a warlike aspect and highlighting the adoption of a goatskin shield called the aegis from the Greek goddess.
Source => en.wikipedia.org

Did you know Athena, goddess of wisdom, was born from Zeus's splitting headache after he swallowed her mother, Metis? She may not have been a warrior princess from birth, but her nymph-guided childhood turned her into the fierce goddess we know today! Dive into more fascinating facts about Athena's birth and upbringing.

=> Fun Facts about Athena

3. Devoted Roman Wife vs. Jealous Greek Wife

Juno, the marriage counselor of the gods, was once asked if she ever considered divorce from her "hunktastic hubby," Jupiter. Her response? "Zeus who?": Juno, the Roman goddess of marriage, was often portrayed as a devoted and supportive wife to Jupiter, in stark contrast to her Greek counterpart, Hera, who constantly dealt with Zeus's infidelities and harbored a jealous streak wider than the Tiber River.
Source => exoplanetscience.org

4. Peacock-Pulled Chariot

Move over, Cinderella and your pumpkin carriage: Juno had a chariot pulled by peacocks! As the Roman goddess of marriage and childbirth, these fancy birds and their vibrant feathers were her sacred symbols of power and authority.
Source => talesbeyondbelief.com

5. The Original "Queen Bee" of Ancient Rome

You could say Juno was the original "Queen Bee" of ancient Rome, reigning supreme and buzzing about with a divine entourage: The Roman goddess Juno served as the protector and counselor of the state, the divine protectress of the community, and a goddess of fertility and regality, even overseeing childbirth as Juno Lucina and celebrating the annual Matronalia festival on March 1.
Source => en.wikipedia.org

6. A Hundred-Eyed Hero for Juno

Talk about a babysitter with an eye for trouble: Argus Panoptes, the original hundred-eyed chaperone, had quite the résumé for guarding Zeus' cow-skinned mistress, Io. But despite his epic peepers, Hermes managed to put this watchful giant down for a nap – permanently: Argus found his eternal place in ancient mythology when Hera, touched by his dedication to her cause, transplanted all of those watchful eyes onto her favorite bird, making the first-ever peacock into a feathery tribute to a fallen hero.
Source => theoi.com

7. The World's First "Supermom"

She may have been the world's first "Supermom" with a side of politics: Juno, the Roman goddess, was not only married to Jupiter and responsible for women, maternity, and childbirth, but also flexed her divine muscles as a guardian of the state and protector of the people – talk about multitasking!
Source => nationalgeographic.org

8. Patron Saint of Piggy Banks

Who knew that the goddess of weddings and childbirth was also the patron saint of piggy banks? Juno, the Roman goddess with a knack for all things financial, had a grip stronger than Scrooge McDuck on his coins: Juno, derived from the Etruscan goddess Uni, was worshipped as the protector of funds, childbirth, and marriage, with her temple on one of Rome's seven hills housing the mint - the place where money was made. Looks like Juno Moneta really knew how to put the "fun" in "funds"!
Source => altalang.com

9. Rocking the Goatskin Cloak and Uber Chariot

Step aside, fashion-forward Roman soldiers: Juno was rocking the goatskin cloak trend before it was cool! And instead of cabs, she summoned the ancient Uber – a swanky peacock-drawn chariot: As the Roman goddess, Juno donned a goatskin cloak, a garment favored by Roman soldiers, while her chariot, symbolizing her sacred connection to the magnificent peacock, was led by these regal birds.
Source => talesbeyondbelief.com

10. Armor à la Mode

Forget the battle-ready runway model – Juno brings "fierce" to new fashionable heights with her goatskin couture and armor à la mode: As the warlike Roman goddess, she paraded in an alluring Athena-inspired armor and goatskin cloak ensemble, fiercely protecting Rome and enjoying a robust following among ancient Italy's devout trendsetters.
Source => en.wikipedia.org

11. Sassy Sovereign Goddess of Rome

Juno, the Roman goddess of sass and sovereignty, could give Beyoncé a run for her money as queen of the empire: She reigned as the divine protector of the state alongside Jupiter and Minerva since Rome's 5th century BCE expansion after annexing neighboring Etruscan cities.
Source => study.com

12. Wacky Matronalia Wedded Bliss Festival

Before "till death do us part" entered the Roman dictionary, they had their own wacky way of unwinding and wishing for wedded bliss: Enter Matronalia, a festive shindig dedicated to Juno, the goddess of fertility and childbirth! Held on the Roman New Year, March 1st, matronae – married ladies – prayed for marital health and kids of the non-crying variety, while also showering gifts upon one another. And guess what? Even slaves got a hall pass to enjoy this day of laughs, praise, and relaxation.
Source => vindolanda.com

13. Juno, the Divine Rockstar Epidural

Who knew the Romans had a divine epidural on call? Juno Lucina was the rockstar of ancient maternity wards: As a goddess with the title "Juno Who Brings to Light," she was believed to ease the pain of childbirth and guide women through labor in ancient Rome. So popular, the month of June got its name from her, becoming the top-choice for weddings and baby-making!
Source => mythopedia.com

14. Sacrificial Cows & Peacock Thanks

Who ordered a "Juno Special" with extra cow on top? Well, that's not about a divine pizza, but rather the unique preference of the Roman goddess herself: Juno actually favored the cow as her sacred symbol, even above the flashy peacock, and delighted in receiving white cows as blood offerings – while her hubby, Jupiter, got white steers. The peacock did find a place in her heart eventually, as a beautiful thank-you note for a fellow named Argus Panoptes, whose eyes she plucked and perched on the bird's tail feathers for eternal admiration.
Source => talesbeyondbelief.com