Venus (Greek equivalent: Aphrodite) was the Roman goddess of love. According to tradtion, Venus’ son, Aeneas, established the city of Rome and for this reason Venus was regarded as the ancestress of the Julian clan. The clan claimed descent from Iulus, Aeneas’ son. Thus Julius Caesar (died 44 BC), his adoptive successor Augustus (reigned 31 BC – AD 14) and other emperors could claim divine ancestry.
Text courtsey : http://www.britishmuseum.org/explore/highlights/articles/r/the_roman_goddess_venus.aspx