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In classical Roman religion, a genius loci (pl.: genii locorum) was the protective spirit of a place. It was often depicted in religious iconography as a figure holding attributes such as a cornucopia , patera ( libation bowl), or snake .
Learn the origin, usage and examples of the Latin phrase genius loci, meaning the pervading spirit of a place or a tutelary deity of a place. Explore synonyms, antonyms, word history and related entries of genius loci.
Apr 5, 2023 · Genius loci is a Latin term meaning the spirit of a place. Learn how it is used in architecture, landscape design, and memory techniques, and explore its origin and examples.
Learn the meaning and origin of the Latin term genius loci, which refers to the presiding deity or spirit of a place. Find out how it applies to architecture and landscape design, and see related entries and sources.
The Roman term for spirit of place was Genius loci, by which it is sometimes still referred. This has often been historically envisaged as a guardian animal or a small supernatural being ( puck , fairy , elf , and the like) or a ghost .
As with the Greek daimones, there was a vast variety of genii, or guardian spirits—those of places, genius loci, including buildings (genius balneorum, etc.), and of corporations of all sorts, from the state (genius populi Romani) to small bodies of troops, guilds of tradesmen, and so forth.