[1374] On the significance of the doublefaced Janus (Janus Geminus) and of the ancient usage of opening the gates of his temple in time of war and closing them in time of peace, see article "Janus" in Roscher's Lexikon, col. 18 ff.
[1375] With his function as door-god compare the functions of other Roman door-gods, of Vesta, and of Hindu and other house-deities.
[1376] Varro, De Lingua Latina, v, 85; Cato, De Agri Cultura, 141.
[1377] So Roscher and others.
[1378] Cf. Fowler, Roman Festivals, p. 35.
[1379] The cult of Mars was widely diffused in Italy and, later, elsewhere. His original seat is uncertain. He was, perhaps, the tribal god of a conquering people.
[1380] Cf. also the Ancillarum Feriæ (July 7).
[1381] See above, § 217 ff.
[1382] Vergil, Eclogues, iv, 6. Cf. above, § 768, note (Kronos).
[1383] Aust, Religion der Römer; Farnell, Cults of the Greek States; Fowler, Roman Festivals; articles in Roscher's Lexikon.