Ceres

In Roman mythology, the goddess of corn, representing the fertility of the earth as its producer; patron of the corn trade. Her cult was established in Rome by 496 BC, and showed early identification with the Greek Demeter.

Her temple was erected on the Aventine in 493 BC. It later became a plebeian centre, as the corn trade was largely in the hands of this formerly unprivileged class of Rome. Her chief festival was the Cerealia or Ludi Ceriales, instituted before 202 BC, and celebrated annually, 12-19 Apr.