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Luna
(1,084 words)

[German version]

[1] Roman Goddess of the moon

Latin for moon.

[German version]

A. Overview

Deity as well as celestial body, L. was considered the subordinate (female) counterpart to Sol, the sun. In Roman etymology, the name derives from the Latin lucēre, ‘to shine’ (Varro, Ling. 5,68; Cic. Nat. D. 2,68), in modern etymology from the feminine form of the corresponding adjective *louqsna (connected to Lucina , cf. losna in Praeneste, CIL I2 549).

Cite this page
Gordon, Richard L. (Ilmmünster) and Angeli Bertinelli, Maria Gabriella (Genoa), “Luna”, in: Brill’s New Pauly, Antiquity volumes edited by: Hubert Cancik and , Helmuth Schneider, English Edition by: Christine F. Salazar, Classical Tradition volumes edited by: Manfred Landfester, English Edition by: Francis G. Gentry. Consulted online on 28 March 2024 <http://dx.doi.org/10.1163/1574-9347_bnp_e711910>
First published online: 2006
First print edition: 9789004122598, 20110510



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