in Roman mythology, was the goddess of love and beauty. Till she came to be identified with the Greek deity Aphrodite, she was one of the least important of the Roman divinities. She was fabled to be the daughter of Jupiter and Dione; but, according to some accounts, she arose from the foam of the sea. She was married to Vulcan, but was not remarkable for fidelity to her husband. Her amour with Adonis is particularly celebrated; and Æneas, the progenitor of the Roman nation, was said to be a son of Venus and the Trojan Anchises. As the goddess of love and pleasure, she has been a favourite subject with the poets, painters, and statuaries, who have striven to represent her with the most lovely forms and the most enticing graces. Her chief seats were Cyprus and Cythera.

**Venus, Planet.** See Astronomy.

**VERA,** a town of Spain, in the province and 39 miles N.E. of Almeria, near the shore of the Mediterranean. It consists of low houses, and clean but unpaved streets; and it has four public squares, a town-hall, hospital, and several churches and schools. Soap, nitre, and pottery, are made here; and there is some trade in these and other articles. Vera has a small harbour, and good fisheries along the coast. Pop. 8470.

**VERA CRUZ.** See Mexico.