Veritas (mythology) facts for kids

Statue of Veritas outside the Supreme Court of Canada

In ancient Roman stories, Veritas was the goddess of truth. Her name, Veritas, literally means "truth" in Latin. She was seen as a very important goddess because truth was highly valued by the Romans. Sometimes, people believed she was the daughter of Chronos, the God of Time, who was also known as Saturn. Other stories say she was the daughter of Zeus, the king of the gods. Veritas was also believed to be the mother of Virtus, the god of courage and excellence.

Veritas: The Roman Goddess of Truth

Veritas was more than just a goddess; she represented the very idea of truth itself. For the Romans, truth was a powerful force that helped keep society fair and just. They believed that without truth, there could be no real justice or honesty.

What Did Veritas Look Like?

Veritas was often shown as a young, pure woman. She was sometimes pictured wearing a white robe, which symbolized her purity and honesty. In some artworks, she might hold a mirror, which represents self-reflection and seeing things as they truly are. Another symbol linked to her is a well, because it was believed that truth lies hidden deep down, like water at the bottom of a well.

Why Was Truth Important to Romans?

The ancient Romans believed that truth was a cornerstone of their society. It was essential for:

• Justice: To make fair decisions in courts and ensure people were treated rightly.
• Honesty: To build trust between people and within the government.
• Stability: To keep their empire strong and prevent chaos.

They saw truth as a guiding principle for their laws, their leaders, and their everyday lives.

Veritas in Art and Modern Times

Even today, the idea of Veritas continues to inspire artists and thinkers. You can find statues and images of Veritas in many places, especially in buildings related to law and justice. For example, a statue representing Veritas stands outside the Supreme Court of Canada. This shows how the concept of truth, first honored by the Romans, is still important in modern legal systems around the world.