Mars in Ancient History

Mars in Ancient History

Due to its red color, Mars was associated with the idea of spilled blood and came to be know in Western mythology as the god of war.

The planet Mars is named for the Roman God

Mars, the Roman God of War, was one of the most worshipped and revered gods throughout ancient Rome.

The month of March (Martius) is named for him.

He was the god of spring, growth in nature, and fertility, and the protector of cattle.

Mars was seen as a symbol for war and fire in many other

cultures around the ancient world • The Greeks knew Mars as Ares

the god of war and pestilence• The Babylonians called Mars

Negral (the fire star)• In ancient Chinese astronomical

charts it was Ying Hou (fire planet)

Mars was the son of Jupiter and Juno and according to the legend, fathered Romulus and Remus, the founders of Rome.

Due to this lineage, the Romans felt as though they were the children of Mars and he was their protector.

Mars is portrayed as a warrior in full battle armor, wearing a crested helmet and bearing a shield.

His sacred animals are the wolf and the woodpecker.

Mars is accompanied by Fuga and Timor, the personifications of flight and fear.

Festivals of MarsMars had several festivals in his honor.

•On March 1, the Feriae of Marti was celebrated.

•The Armilustruim was held on October 19, and on this day the weapons of the soldiers were ritually purified and stored for winter.

•Every five years the Suovetaurilia was held. During these fertility and cleansing rites, a pig, a sheep, and a bull were sacrificed.

Mars:

Roman God of

War Ares: Greek God of

War

Mars is often likened to his Greek counterpart, Ares the Greek God of War. However, it is important to remember that these gods are not the same.

Ares was tall and handsome, but vain and cruel and was feared by the Greeks and loathed by his parents.

Whereas, Mars was regarded as a protector of Rome and greatly worshiped.

Ares fathered many children with Aphrodite, (Venus), including his constant companions in the battle field, Phobos (Panic), and Deimos (Fear).

Phobos and Deimos are the two moons of Mars yet are only associated with the Greek god and not the Roman.

Phobos and Deimos

Phobos Deimos