Harry Thurston Peck, Harpers Dictionary of Classical Antiquities (1898), Sancus

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Sancus

Usually called Semo Sancus. (See Semones.) A genius worshipped by the Sabines, Umbrians, and Romans, representing holiness and good faith in human life. In Rome he was principally worshipped under the name Deus Fidius (from fides, “faith”) as god of oaths, god of the public laws of hospitality and of nations, also of international intercourse and of the safety of the roads, which were placed under his protection. An oath in his name could be taken only under the open sky; therefore even his temple had a hole in the roof, and, when an oath by him was taken at home, the man swearing went into the uncovered court. On account of many points of resemblance he was identified with Hercules. He had a temple on the Quirinal (the foundation of which was celebrated June 5th), and another on the island in the Tiber (Ovid, Fasti, vi. 213-218).

Harry Thurston Peck. Harpers Dictionary of Classical Antiquities. New York. Harper and Brothers. 1898.

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Harry Thurston Peck, Harpers Dictionary of Classical Antiquities (1898)

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Sancus