The Greeks originally identified Saturn as their God, Cronus. It was later when the Romans came to recognize Cronus as Saturn, their God of Fertility and Agriculture. He was known to rule the Golden Age of the Titans, and the Golden Age of Rome.

In Greek mythology, Cronus was the youngest of the twelve Titans born to Gaia and Uranus. He took over as King of the Gods after castrating his father, Uranus, in order to protect his mother and his fellow siblings. Uranus was banished to the skies forever, and Cronus was unanimously awarded the Kingship by his fellow Titans. The Titans were now able to release the Cyclopes and the Hecatonchires, the misfit children whom Uranus had locked away in darkness for many years.

Cronus married his sister Rhea, and they had some heavyweight Olympian Gods as their children. These included the Greek Gods, Zeus (known as Jupiter by Romans), Hera, Demeter, Hades (Pluto), Hestia and Poseidon (Neptune). It did not take long for Cronus to become superstitious however, that one of his own would overthrow him just like he did his own father. Upon the advice he received from an oracle at the time, Cronus took it upon himself to protect his status as King of the Gods, and set about eating his children. His wife Rhea was not happy and confided in their mother Gaia, who advised Rhea not to deliver all of the children as Cronus demanded.

All of the children were eaten but one. Rhea took the advice of Gaia, and instead of wrapping Zeus (aka Jupiter) up in his baby blankets, she placed a large stone in them instead. Cronus had no idea of the switch, and Zeus was smuggled to Crete where he was raised by the Nymphs, and fed on the milk of the nanny goat. When Zeus became mature, he confronted his father and forced the release of his swallowed Olympian brothers and sisters. Once together again, the Olympians overthrew their father Cronus and his fellow Titans.

Cronus avoided death however and escaped to Italy where he was adopted by the Romans. He played an important role as Saturn, God of Agriculture and Farming. It was to mark a most happy and prosperous time referred to as the Roman Golden Age. Saturn was instrumental in developing the golden harvests throughout Italy, and was celebrated through the Roman festival, Saturnalia. It was a joyous and festive occasion, where masters and slaves swapped roles, sacrifices were made to the Gods, and gifts were exchanged by all. It took place on December 17 and was extended over time to run for a week. It has been said that this festival marked the beginning of the Christmas traditions that followed for centuries.  The Romans also named Saturday after him.