FAUNO. - A most ancient Italic divinity, later identified with the Greek Pan. He was the beneficent genius of the mountains, the countryside, and livestock, in whom shepherds recognized the fertilizer of the flock (inuni) and the defender against wolves (lupercus); he dwelt in woods, caves, and springs, where he hunted, pursued the nymphs, and was worshipped. He frightened people with terrifying apparitions and evil dreams (incubus); moreover, he foretold the future, whence the name Fatuus. Famous was the oracle near
A popular, unofficial festival in his honor was celebrated amid great merriment on 5 December (Fausalia) in the countryside, with offerings of milk and wine and the sacrifice of a goat (Horace, Od., 3, 18). Another important festival was the Lupercalia (v. LUPERCL e LUPERCALIA), celebrated on 15 February, beginning at the cave-sanctuary at the foot of the Palatine.