Sterculius

Sterculius, sometimes spelled Stercutius, is a minor deity in ancient Roman religion. He is the personification of manure and the fertilizer that enriches soil, and by extension a symbol of agricultural fertility. The name derives from the Latin stercus, meaning dung.

Traditionally, Sterculius is considered a rustic or household deity rather than a major Olympian figure. Details of his worship are sparse, and he appears mainly in lists of obscure rural gods or in discussions of agricultural ritual. His function centers on transforming waste into productive soil and supporting the renewal of fields.

Influence outside ancient Roman religion: The plant genus Sterculia is named in honor of the deity Sterculius, reflecting a historical link between Roman concepts of fertility and the naming of plants. Sterculia belongs to the Malvaceae family and includes a range of tropical species, some noted for pronounced fragrances or odors. The connection to the deity is primarily nominal, reflecting early taxonomic practice rather than a sustained cult.

Notes and references: As a minor figure, Sterculius is not the subject of extensive literary treatment, and modern knowledge about him comes from later compilations and glossaries of Roman religion.