Lares are the Roman household gods, typically depicted as two young men, often with dogs. They were worshipped at a shrine in the home, and were believed to protect the household and its inhabitants from harm. Lares were also associated with the land and fertility, and were often invoked by farmers for good crops.
In addition to their protective role, Lares were also seen as benevolent spirits who brought good luck and prosperity to the household. They were often worshipped together with the Penates, who were the gods of the pantry and food stores. Together, the Lares and Penates were known as the Dii Domestici, or household gods.
The Lares cult was very popular in ancient Rome, and Lares shrines could be found in homes and businesses all over the city. Lares were also worshipped publicly, and there were several temples in Rome dedicated to them. The most important temple to the Lares was the Compitum Larum, which was located at the crossroads of the city.
The Lares cult continued to be practiced after the fall of the Western Roman Empire. In the Christian era, the Lares were often seen as pagan deities, and their worship was discouraged. However, the Lares cult survived in some rural areas, and some of their traditions were incorporated into Christian folk religion.