Who was Egeria?
By Chelsie Vandaveer
June 27, 2003
killerPlants Tendrils: ~~1~~2~~3~~4~~5~~
Shop the National Geographic Store—>Click here.
Suggested Reading—>Click here.
Assorted Killer Savings Garden Links—>Click here.
Killer Picks: Land & Space Telescope, Planetarium, Celestron Telescope—>Click here.
Eleven Planets, Lab-quality Microscope, Elements of Science Kit—>Click here.
Brazilian waterweed (Egeria densa Planchon) is a graceful plant added to aquaria to oxygenate the water. The plant was named for a nymph, a nature spirit worshipped by the ancient Sabines in the early years of
the Roman Empire.
After the death of Romulus, the founder of Rome, the senate ruled for one year. The senators were oppressive and the people of Rome demanded a just leader. The Romans would select the new king, but to keep peace the leader had to be from the conquered Sabines. It is said all voices concurred in selecting the wise and pious Numa Pompilius as king of Rome. Numa consulted the auguries (signs or omens) and when assured his rule was the will of the gods, he took the throne.
Egeria was a Camenae, one of four nymphs who remembered the past and foretold the future.
Both a prophetess and a giver of life, Egeria gave aid to pregnant women and mothers. There were two places in the land sacred to the immortal nymph--a shady vale in Aricia and Porta Capena in the valley of Caparella near Rome.
Every evening, Numa went to Caparella to the place where a spring flowed from a dark recess. Egeria and her sisters instructed him in the proper religious observations. Numa set down the ecclesiastical laws taught to him by the Camenae, he returned lands to their rightful heirs, and entreated Jupiter until the god relented on human sacrifice. Egeria was Numa's beloved and his reign was one of quiet happiness for Rome.
Even Mars blessed the kingdom. That nothing should break the peace, Mars dropped his ancile into the valley of Caparella and Numa ordained the order of the Salii, the priests of Mars.
The Salii were charged with the care of the ancile and for as long as the shield should remain in Rome, the country was protected from all calamities.
After thirty-nine years of reign, Numa had filled his days. He fell asleep, never to awaken. Egeria fled to Aricia. In the shady vale, a spring formed as Egeria melted into her tears.
The University of Adelaide Library Electronic Texts Collection has Bulfinch's Age of Fable, chapter 22, has the various legends of the nymphs and nature spirits. To read the legends, click on the link:
http://etext.library.adelaide.edu.au/b/bulfinch/thomas/b93fab/chap22.html
The Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia, has various legends of the Salii, the "leaping priests" of Mars in Ancient Rome. To read the legends, click on the link:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Salii_(priests)
Space.com has a page about Mars the "god of war". To learn more click the link:
http://www.space.com/mars/
University of Florida, Center for Aquatic and Invasive Plants has photographs and information on Common waterweed (Egeria densa Planchon). To learn more and view the photographs, click the link:
http://aquat1.ifas.ufl.edu/egdepic.html
(Compiled from the Dictionary of Greek and Roman Biography and Mythology, William Smith, editor, John Murray, London, 1902)
killerPlants Tendrils: ~~1~~2~~3~~4~~5~~
Suggested Reading:
How did 'elodea' spread without females? Weird Plants - June 26, 2003
What are laurel leaves? What's in a Name? - October 1, 2004
Who was the goddess of the rainbow? What's in a Name? - September 27, 2002
Walking Iris (Neomarica longifolia) Plant of the Week - May 26, 2003
What plant was named for Zeus' childhood home? What's in a Name? - July 12, 2002
Why was this tree sacred to Rome? Herbal Folklore - September 2, 2002
What was Lupercalia? Herbal Folklore - February 11, 2002
Who was Ceres? What's in a Name? - April 16, 2004
An Herb that was Mortal Herbal Folklore - May 14, 2002
Killer Savings Links:
Breck's Bulbs -$25 off—>Click here.
Gurney's Seed and Nursery -$20 off—>Click here.
Henry Fields Seed and Nursery -$20 off—>Click here.
Spring Hill Nursery -$20 off—>Click here.
Gardens Alive! -$20 off—>Click here.
Michigan Bulb -$20 off—>Click here.
Unique Professionally Designed Gardens
Springhill Nursery®
Spring Hill Nursery has unique gardens professionally designed by experts to take the guesswork out of gardening. Whether you are looking for a three season garden, foundation garden, or a garden to attract hummingbirds and butterflies, Spring Hill Nursery has created a step-by-step design just for you.
Click here - $20 off your first order at Spring Hill Nursery!
|
|
|
|
National Geographic 70-mm Land & Space Telescope
National Geographic®
Our newest telescope is engineered to be easy to use and is an excellent choice for those seeking their first close-up look at the wonders of both nature and the universe. As your knowledge of astronomy grows, this scope has the features to grow with you.
|
|
31 1/2"W x 31 1/2"H x 52"L. 7 lbs.
Click here.
Shop the National Geographic Store. All purchases support research and education.
|
|
|
SkyScout Personal Planetarium
National Geographic®
Point the revolutionary SkyScout at the night sky and it can identify celestial objects instantly. Using a combination of GPS technology, three-axis sensors that measure gravitational and magnetic fields, and its own astronomical database of more than 6,000 celestial objects, this incredible device knows exactly where you are on the planet and at precisely what angle you are holding the SkyScout. It uses this information to correctly identify the object in its sights.
|
|
Alternatively you can choose from any of the constellations, galaxies, or nebulae in the database, and the SkyScout will direct you by using on-screen prompts to help you locate your selection with ease. It also provides astronomical information, historical data, and mythological background on the LED display. Listen to audio narration with the included earphones, and use the USB cable to download updates and new discoveries from your PC directly to the SkyScout. Winner of the Consumer Electronics Show Best of Innovation award for 2006. Two AA batteries, not included. 7 1/2''W x 2 1/2''L x 4''D
Click here.
Shop the National Geographic Store. All purchases support research and education.
|
|
|
Celestron Nexstar Telescope
National Geographic®
Find thousands of stars, planets, galaxies, and other celestial objects at the touch of a button! A versatile telescope, ideal for beginning astronomers looking for an easy way to enjoy the night sky, or a seasoned expert who wants a portable scope with advanced features. More than 40,000 celestial objects are programmed into the computerized hand control—just choose an object from the menu, and the telescope will find it for you.
|
|
This distinctive 102-mm scope has state-of-the-art features.
Click here.
Shop the National Geographic Store. All purchases support research and education.
|
|
|
Eleven Planets
National Geographic®
In August 2006, the International Astronomical Union ushered in a new era in space when it redefined the word ''planet'' and relegated Pluto to the status of a dwarf planet, along with Ceres and Eris. National Geographic is there to map out this new view of our solar system.
In 11 Planets, David Aguilar, an expert who works on the leading edge of this astounding shift, explains and explores our new galactic knowledge.
|
|
Using spectacular exclusive computer artwork and simple engaging text, this colorful book profiles all 11 planets in our newly categorized solar system: terrestrial Mercury, Venus, Earth, and Mars; gas giants Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, and Neptune; and dwarf planets Pluto, Ceres, and Eris. For ages 8–12. 48 pages; 9'' x 9''; Hardcover; © 2008.
Click here.
Shop the National Geographic Store. All purchases support research and education.
|
|
|
National Geographic Lab-quality Microscope
National Geographic®
Made from solid metal, our microscope offers a superior viewing experience normally found only in laboratory models. A single objective lens meeting DIN optical standards, and two separate eyepieces of optical glass, offer 80-power and 200-power magnifications to reveal unseen details with exceptional clarity.
|
|
A rack-and-pinion focus system with brass gears effortlessly adjusts to smoothly bring slides into precise focus. Features both mirror and electric illumination for maximum brightness. A complete accessory set includes everything a budding microbiologist needs.
Click here.
Shop the National Geographic Store. All purchases support research and education.
|
|
|
National Geographic Elements of Science Kit
National Geographic®
Hands-on experiments introduce the most important phenomena in biology, chemistry, and physics in this fun kit. National Geographic's broad yet elaborate introduction to the physical and natural sciences covers the full spectrum of science and shows first-hand how these three core disciplines overlap to help us understand the world around us.
|
|
Full color, 112-page guide includes chapters on water, air, magnetism, optics, the human body, and more. Ages 10 and up.
Click here.
Shop the National Geographic Store. All purchases support research and education.
|
|
|
Wollemi Pine
National Geographic®
This survivor from the age of the dinosaurs is one of the greatest living fossils discovered in the 20th century. The Wollemi pine is one of the world's oldest and rarest tree species, belonging to a 200-million-year-old plant family thought to have been extinct for more than two million years.
Previously known only from fossil records, it was presumed extinct until a single tree was found in the Wollemi National Park, Australia, in 1994. Subsequent research discovered 100 adult trees that have survived in a single canyon in this wild and rugged area.
Click here to view canyon, trees and fossil record.
|
|
You can assist in the conservation effort and enjoy the unique opportunity to ensure the continued survival of this rare species by giving the tree as a gift or growing your own. Suitable for indoor container gardening. Can also be used as a landscape tree in USDA hardiness zones 2 through 7, which includes New England, the Midatlantic states, and much of the Midwest.
Comes with a care manual with the full story about the discovery and fascinating history of the Wollemi pine. Tree will be approximately 8"H when shipped. A portion of the proceeds from the sale of these plants will fund ongoing conservation research.
Click here to get your Wollemi Pine and assist in the conservation effort.
|
National Geographic Magazine
National Geographic®
|
|
You are invited to roam the world in the pages of National Geographic magazine. Explore the diversity of our planet's lands and inhabitants in compelling stories covering topics such as animals, nature, science, technology, culture, history, travel, adventure, exploration, and geography. The monthly National Geographic magazine is your key benefit of membership.
Additional benefits include:
- As many as five wall map supplements throughout the year in issues of the magazine
- A personalized Membership Certificate
- Special discounts on selected products
- The opportunity to examine special Society products free in your home before deciding to purchase
- The privilege of traveling the world with the Society's educational travel tour programs
- The satisfaction of supporting important research, conservation, education, and exploration projects
|
|
Join the Society and bring the adventure of National Geographic into your home!
Click here.
|
| |
killerplants Recommended Smart Stores
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
 BACK TO TOP
|
|
