The Roman deity known for safeguarding gates and doors is Janus. He is depicted with two faces, one looking to the past and the other to the future, symbolizing transitions and duality. Janus represents beginnings, endings, and the passage of time, making him a significant figure in rituals concerning new ventures, such as marriages and new years. His guardianship over gates reflects the importance of thresholds in life, where one must navigate between different states of being and experiences. Janus is central to many Roman traditions.