Nemesis

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In ancient Greek mythology, Nemesis was a powerful goddess who dealt swift retribution to those who dared to defy the gods. Her name, Adrasteia or Adrestia, translates to "the unescapable," leaving no doubt about her unwavering determination. In Roman mythology, Nemesis's counterpart is known as Invidia, embodying the concept of envy. Victorious generals in Rome would occasionally worship Pax-Nemesis, and she was revered as the patron deity of gladiators and venatores who bravely fought against wild beasts in the arena. As a tutelary goddess, Nemesis watched over the drilling grounds (Nemesis campestris) with an eagle eye. Her image appeared on imperial coins during the reigns of Claudius and Hadrian, although it was not a common occurrence. In the third century AD, people began to believe in an all-powerful Nemesis-Fortuna, who ruled over fate itself. The poet Mesomedes wrote a hymn to Nemesis in the early second century AD, addressing her as a winged goddess who balances life and death with precision. With her dark face and unyielding spirit, Nemesis was the daughter of Justice herself. Her "adamantine bridles" were feared by mortals, restraining their frivolous insolences and keeping them in check. Initially, her representations resembled those of Aphrodite, but as time passed, she evolved into a maiden goddess who embodied proportion and justice. As the avenger of crime, Nemesis wielded powerful attributes: a measuring rod to weigh justice, a bridle to tame the unruly, scales to balance right from wrong, a sword to vanquish evil, and a scourge to punish the guilty. She rode through the skies in a chariot drawn by majestic griffins, striking fear into the hearts of those who dared to defy her. Nemesis was also known as Adrastia, a name that echoed throughout history. Ammianus Marcellinus included her in his writings on Justice, highlighting her significance as a symbol of moral rectitude and retribution.