VERTUMNUS, in Roman cult, the god of the changing year (Lat. vortumnus, changing) with its seasons, its flowers and its fruits, probably of Italian origin. In legend, he has the power of assuming any shape he pleases, which enables him to win the love of Pomona (q.v.). His shrine and statue (see the description in Propertius iv. 2) were in the Vicus Tuscus, and from his con
nexion with this busy street he was regarded as having a special interest in trade and barter. At another sanctuary on the slope of the Aventine, sacrifice was offered to him every year on Aug. 13.