Minerva was the Roman goddess of wisdom, medicine, commerce, handicrafts, poetry, the arts in general, and later, war. In many ways similar to the Greek goddess Athena, she had important temples in Rome and was patron of the Quinquatras festival.

Why was Minerva so important?

Minerva is the goddess of wisdom, medicine, the arts, poetry, and handicrafts. Later in Roman history, she became the goddess of war as well. So, she was pretty important to the Romans. ... Combining aspects of both Menvra and Athena, Minerva grew to be one of the most respected goddesses in the Roman religion.

Why was Minerva worshiped?

Her shrine on the Aventine in Rome was a meeting place for guilds of craftsmen, including at one time dramatic poets and actors. Her worship as a goddess of war encroached upon that of Mars. ... Under the emperor Domitian, who claimed her special protection, the worship of Minerva attained its greatest vogue in Rome.