Ancil′ia, the twelve sacred shields. The first Ancile was supposed to have fallen from heaven in answer to the prayer of Numa Pompilius. It was kept with the greatest care, as it was prophesied that the fate of the Roman people would depend upon its preservation. An order of priesthood was established to take care of the Ancilia, and on 1st March each year the shields were carried in procession, and in the evening there was a great feast called Cœna Saliaris.
Androm′eda, the daughter of Cepheus, king of the Ethiopians, was wife of Perseus, by whom she was rescued when she was chained to a rock and was about to be devoured by a sea-monster.
Anem′one. Venus changed Adonis into this flower.
Angero′nia, otherwise Volupia, was the goddess who had the power of dispelling anguish of mind.
Anna Peren′na, one of the rural divinities.
Antæ′us, a giant who was vanquished by Hercules. Each time that Hercules threw him the giant gained fresh strength from touching the earth, so Hercules lifted him off the ground and squeezed him to death.
An′teros, one of the two Cupids, sons of Venus.
Antic′lea, the mother of Ulysses.
Anti′ope was wife of Lycus, King of Thebes. Jupiter, disguised as a satyr, led her astray and corrupted her.
Anu′bis (or Herman′ubis). “A god half a dog, a dog half a man.” Called Barker by Virgil and other poets.