Meaning: The quote you provided is attributed to Cicero, a Roman statesman, orator, and philosopher who lived from 106 BC to 43 BC. The quote is from his treatise "On the Nature of the Gods," in which he discusses the beliefs and concepts surrounding the divine and the gods in ancient Roman religion. The specific passage you quoted refers to the enumeration of three Jupiters by theologians, with the third being associated with the island of Crete and being the son of Saturn. Additionally, it mentions the existence of a tomb dedicated to this particular Jupiter on the island of Crete. The attribution to Lactantius as the author of this information suggests that it was included in a work by Lactantius, a Christian author and theologian who lived in the 3rd and 4th centuries AD.

Cicero's "On the Nature of the Gods" is a philosophical work that presents the philosophical perspectives of three different schools of thought in ancient Rome: the Epicureans, the Stoics, and the Academics. The dialogue format of the treatise allows Cicero to explore and compare these various philosophical viewpoints through the voices of different characters. The work delves into the nature of the divine, the existence of gods, and their attributes, as well as the concept of fate and the immortality of the soul.

The passage you provided, specifically addressing the three Jupiters, reflects the polytheistic nature of ancient Roman religion. Jupiter, known as the king of the gods in Roman mythology, was a significant deity in the Roman pantheon. The idea of multiple Jupiters, each associated with different attributes or origins, could be interpreted as a reflection of the diverse and evolving nature of Roman religious beliefs and practices.

The mention of the third Jupiter being associated with Crete and being the son of Saturn is of particular interest. In Roman mythology, Jupiter (or Jove) was indeed considered the son of Saturn (Cronus in Greek mythology) and was often associated with the sky, thunder, and lightning. However, the specific connection to Crete and the existence of a tomb attributed to this Jupiter on the island provide a unique and intriguing aspect to the narrative.

The inclusion of Lactantius as the author in the quote suggests that this information was referenced in a work by Lactantius, a prominent Christian author and apologist. Lactantius is known for his writings on Christian apologetics and theology, and his "Divine Institutes" is one of his most famous works. It is possible that Lactantius referenced or commented on Cicero's work or the topic of Roman religion in his writings, thus providing the context for the quote.

In conclusion, the quote you provided offers a glimpse into the ancient Roman understanding of the divine, particularly in relation to the god Jupiter, as well as the intersection of Roman religious beliefs with the writings of later Christian authors. It serves as a reminder of the rich and complex tapestry of ancient religious beliefs and the ways in which they have been interpreted and reinterpreted over time by various scholars and thinkers.