In ancient Rome, the role of Janus, the god of beginnings, was significant as he represented transitions, gates, and time. Depicted with two faces, Janus looks both to the past and the future, symbolizing change and duality. He was honored at the start of new endeavors, such as the new year or significant life events. Janus’s importance reflects the Roman understanding of cycles in life and the notion that every end leads to a new beginning, emphasizing the relationships between past experiences and future possibilities.