Venus (disambiguation) facts for kids
Venus is a name that can mean different things, from a planet in our solar system to a famous goddess from ancient Roman stories. It's also the name of a famous athlete and has been used for many artworks throughout history.
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What is Venus?
The name "Venus" is used in several ways. It can refer to a goddess, a planet, or even people and places. Let's explore some of the most common meanings.
Venus, the Roman Goddess
In ancient Roman mythology, Venus was the goddess of love, beauty, pleasure, and fertility. She was very important to the Romans. Her story is similar to the Greek goddess Aphrodite.
Romans believed Venus helped people fall in love and grow beautiful things. Many temples were built to honor her. People would pray to her for good luck in love and life.
Venus, the Planet
Venus is the second planet from the Sun in our solar system. It is often called Earth's "sister planet" because they are similar in size. However, Venus is very different from Earth.
Venus has a very thick atmosphere made mostly of carbon dioxide. This traps heat, making Venus the hottest planet in our solar system. Its surface temperature can reach over 460 degrees Celsius (860 degrees Fahrenheit). This is hot enough to melt lead! Venus also spins very slowly and in the opposite direction compared to most planets.
Venus in Art
The name Venus has inspired many artists over thousands of years. From very old carvings to famous statues, the idea of Venus has been shown in many ways.
Ancient Figurines
Some of the oldest artworks ever found are called Venus figurines. These are small statues of women made during the Stone Age. They are usually found in Europe and Asia.
One famous example is the Venus of Willendorf. This small statue is about 11.1 centimeters (4.3 inches) tall. It was found in Austria and is believed to be over 25,000 years old. Another very old one is the Venus of Tan-Tan, found in Morocco. These figurines give us clues about how ancient people lived and what they valued.
Famous Statues
Venus de Milo is one of the most famous ancient Greek statues. It was made around 130 to 100 BC. The statue shows the goddess Aphrodite (the Greek version of Venus). It is known for its beauty, even though its arms are missing. Today, you can see the Venus de Milo in the Louvre Museum in Paris, France.
Famous People Named Venus
One well-known person named Venus is Venus Williams. She is an American tennis player. Venus Williams is one of the greatest tennis players of all time.
She has won many major tournaments, including Grand Slam titles in singles and doubles. Her powerful style of play and long career have made her a legend in the sport.
See also
In Spanish: Venus para niños
