Lacus Juturna - Ancient Rome Live

by American Institute for Roman Culture
published on 16 February 2020

The Lacus Juturna (Latin: Lacus Iuturnae) is a natural stream of great value and history for the ancient Romans. It was an important water source in the nascent forum, and attributed to a nymph, who was the sister of Turnus, Aeneas' arch foe in the Aeneid. The Battle of Lake Regillus, won in 499 BCE, was followed by two youths on horseback arriving in the forum, watering their horses at the spring, and disappearing. As a result the temple was built to Castor and Pollux, next to the spring.