the personification of fidelity or faithfulness (Cic. de Off. 3.29). Numa is said to have built a temple to Fides publica, on the Capitol (Dionys. A. R. 2.75), and another was built there in the consulship of M. Aemilius Scaurus, B. C. 115 (Cic. de Nat. Deor. 2.23, 31; 3.18; de Leg. 2.8, 11). She was represented as a matron wearing a wreath of olive or laurel leaves, and carrying in her hand corn ears, or a basket with fruit. (Rasche, Lex Num. 2.1, p. 107.)