Janus is the Roman god of doors, beginnings, change, and transition. He is depicted with two or four faces and was originally the guardian of gates. Janus was also associated with warfare, the end, and was often worshipped at important life events. In modern times, Janus is used as a metaphor for the complex nature of humanity.
Janus is the Roman god of doors, beginnings, change and transition. He was a very important figure in the Roman pantheon, usually named first during prayers, and the cult of Janus was at one point widespread in Rome. Janus lives in some amazing places; the first month of the year, January, is named after Janus, as are the keepers, keepers of doors and keys.
Janus’ most striking and memorable feature is probably his two or sometimes four faces. In classical art, he was depicted with two faces pointing in opposite directions, illustrating his role as gatekeeper; with two faces, he could look either side of the door to see what was going on. Sometimes, Janus busts showed four faces instead of two, and in full-length statues, Janus usually holds a key in his right hand.
Janus’ original role was probably that of guardian of gates, with his later duties being added by later worshippers. The link between doors and new beginnings is pretty obvious, as is the association with change. Janus was often worshiped at important life events such as coming-of-age parties, weddings, and New Year’s Eve parties, with those present praying to Janus for good luck.
Janus also became associated with warfare, thanks to the Janus Geminus, a large temple in Rome. Traditionally, the doors of this temple were left open during times of war and closed during times of peace. Soldiers often visited the temple to pass through its gates in hopes of being blessed by the god so they could do well in warfare.
The god was also related to the end, as a door can appear at the end of a journey just as it does at the beginning. In some regions it was said that Janus was able to predict events, thanks to his two-faced head, which presumably wasn’t missing much. The Romans asked Janus for advice on important decisions, hoping he could illuminate the best path forward.
In the modern era, Janus is also used as a metaphor for the often complex nature of humanity. Janus is often referenced in art with two-faced individuals having markedly different faces, such as a man’s face and a woman’s face. The Romans probably didn’t think of Janus this way, though they undoubtedly thought of duality and treachery, just as modern people do.
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