Derived from The Ancient Greek Demi-God ''Hephaestus'' and the earlier Etruscan ''Sethlans'' – Rome's Vulcan was deemed The God of Fire. He was also associated with Blacksmiths and was often portrayed in Art carrying a Smith's Hammer. His Cult dates to Rome's Kingdom Period (7th BC). With August used as His Feast Day, Vulcan was celebrated with hundreds of bonfires. Small animals were routinely sacrificed to His flames. He was seen as a Protector of Rome against Fires (which were a very common occurrence throughout most of The City's History).