Hail to Hercules Victor!
Hail to Venus Victrix!
Hail to Hermes Invictus!
Hail to Honos!
Hail to Virtus!
Hail to Felicitas!
We honour honour and virtue.
We honour the victory that the gods represent.
We honour happiness.
Salve Hercules Victor!
Salve Venus Victrix!
Salve Hermes Invictus!
Salve Honos!
Salve Virtus!
Salve Felicitas!

 

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The dedication of temples on the day immediately preceding the Ides of August and especially the cult (sacra) of the ara maxima dedicated to Hercules appear to parallel the link between the Equirria (to Mars) and the Ides of March (to Jupiter). The Roman Hercules is essentially an indigitation of Mars. The priests of Mars (the Salii) are described by Vergil as being present today for the sacra ara maxima. Fowler has speculated that Hercules represents both Mars and a genius figure (Jupiter). The temples dedicated on this day include those to Venus, Hermes, Honour, Virtue and Happiness.