Abstract
A close examination of references to Saturnus and his reign in Latin literature reveals a peculiarly Roman conception of this god. He is no longer, as in Hesiod, the former ruler on Olympus who now inhabits Tartarus. In Latin literature, he becomes a semi-historical figure who found refuge in Italy and who left a significant mark upon this land which once sheltered him.
This conception of Saturnus seems to develop during the late Republic and early Augustan period. It is reflected in the works of Tibullus and Ovid, but the development of this conception is particularly evident in Vergil’s works.