Mater Matuta

Mater Matuta was an ancient Italian goddess who was associated with the dawn. Her cult was widespread throughout Latium, and she had a number of temples dedicated to her. In Rome, her most famous temple was located on the north side of the Forum Boarium. This temple was allegedly built by Servius Tullius, but it was destroyed in 506 BC and rebuilt by Marcus Furius Camillus in 396 BC. Mater Matuta was also associated with seaports and harbors, and there were a number of temples to her in these locations. One particularly remarkable place of worship was located in Campania, outside modern Capua. Dozens of votive statues representing matres matutae were found in this location during excavations in the 19th century. An extensive collection of these votives is now housed in the Museo Campano in Capua.