heleus

Heleus, also known as Helius, was a Roman god associated with the sun, light, and healing. He was often depicted as a youthful figure with a radiant aura, sometimes holding a torch or a sun disc. Heleus was particularly revered in the city of Rome, where he was believed to have been born in the Temple of Vesta. The temple was said to have been built on the spot where Heleus was born, and it was dedicated to him.

Heleus was also associated with the healing arts, particularly the treatment of eye diseases. He was often invoked in cases of blindness or other visual impairments. In some traditions, Heleus was considered the son of Apollo and was sometimes identified with the Greek god Helios.

The festival of Heleus, known as the Heleia, was held annually on June 25th. During this festival, the people of Rome would carry torches through the streets, symbolizing the power of the sun and the healing light it brought. The festival also included games and other forms of entertainment.

Heleus was eventually absorbed into the Roman pantheon and was often identified with the Greek god Apollo. However, he retained his own distinct identity and was still worshipped in Rome until the decline of Roman religion in the late antique period.