Saturnus

This name derives from the Etruscan and Latin “satre (Etruscan God) > sătŭs > sāturnus,” meaning “sowing, seed, generation, birth, origin.” Saturn was a god in ancient Roman religion and a character in myth. Saturn is a complex figure because of his multiple associations and long history. He was the first god of the capitol, known since the most ancient times as Saturnius Mons, and was seen as a god of generation, dissolution, plenty, wealth, agriculture, periodical renewal, and liberation. The temple of Saturn in the Roman Forum housed the state treasury. The Romans identified Saturn with the Ancient Greek Cronus, whose myths were adapted for Latin literature and Roman art. Saturday is the day of the week following Friday and preceding Sunday. The Romans named Saturday “dies saturni (Saturn’s day)” no later than the 2nd century for the planet Saturn, which controlled the first hour of that day, according to Vettius Valens.