kids encyclopedia robot

Sol Invictus facts for kids

Kids Encyclopedia Facts
ProbusCoin
Coin of Emperor Probus, around 280 AD, showing Sol Invictus riding a quadriga (a chariot pulled by four horses). The words "SOLI INVICTO" mean "to the Unconquered Sun." Notice how the Emperor (on the left) wears a sun crown, just like the god (on the right).
Disc Sol BM GR1899.12-1.2
A silver disc showing Sol Invictus, made by Romans in the 3rd century. It was found in Pessinus and is now in the British Museum.

Sol Invictus means "the Unconquered Sun." Sometimes, it was called Deus Sol Invictus, which means "the Unconquered Sun God." This was a special religious title used for different gods during the later Roman Empire.

Three main gods were linked to this title: El Gabal, Mithras, and Sol.

Before this, there was a god called Sol Indiges, meaning "the native sun." This older god was important for farming. The name Deus Sol Invictus was similar to titles given to emperors, like pius felix invictus, meaning "dutiful, fortunate, unconquered."

The Romans had a festival on December 25. It was called Dies Natalis Solis Invicti, which means "the birthday of the unconquered sun." Using the title Sol Invictus allowed people to worship several sun gods together. These included Elah-Gabal, a sun god from Syria. Another was Sol, who was the special god of Emperor Aurelian (who ruled from 270 to 274 AD). Also, Mithras, a god for soldiers from Persia, was included.

Emperor Elagabalus (who ruled from 218 to 222 AD) started this festival. It became very popular under Emperor Aurelian. He made it a holiday for the entire Roman Empire.

Images for kids

  • Stele Sol Invictus Terme

    A dedication made by a priest of Jupiter Dolichenus. It was for the well-being of the emperors, to Sol Invictus, and to the spirit of the military unit equites singulares Augusti.

  • Follis-Constantine-lyons RIC VI 309

    A coin of Emperor Constantine I showing Sol Invictus. The words "SOLI INVICTO COMITI" mean "to the Unconquered Sun, my companion." This coin is from around 315 AD.

  • Lucretia2

    A coin showing Sol (the sun), a crescent moon, and seven stars.

  • Beit alfa01

    A mosaic in the Beth Alpha synagogue. It shows the Sun in the middle, surrounded by the twelve zodiac signs and the four seasons.

See also

Kids robot.svg In Spanish: Sol Invictus para niños

kids search engine
All content from Kiddle encyclopedia articles (including the article images and facts) can be freely used under Attribution-ShareAlike license, unless stated otherwise. Cite this article:
Sol Invictus Facts for Kids. Kiddle Encyclopedia.