Mercury. Has been identified with the Greek Hermes. The Romans of later times transferred all the attributes and myths of Hermes to their own god. [Hermes.] The Fetiales, however, never recognized the identity; and, instead of the "caduceus," they used a sacred branch as the emblem of peace. The resemblance between Mercurius and Hermes is indeed very slight. The worship of Mercury was very common among Egyptians, Greeks, and Romans, and many temples were consecrated to him. At Rome there was a particular festival held for the expiation of merchants in honor of Mercury.
