Fides - Definition and Overview

In Roman mythology, the Fides ("faith") was the goddess of loyalty. Her temple on the Capitol was where the Roman Senate kept state treaties with foreign countries, where Fides protected them.

She was also worshipped under the name Fides Publica Populi Romani ("loyalty towards the Roman state")

The word fides also underlies the name "Fido", commonly given to dogs.

See also: Semo Sancus