Mars

God of War and Protector of Rome

Mars was the Roman god of war, courage and military strength, but he was also connected with farming and protecting Rome’s land. Romans treated him as one of their greatest gods, usually placing only Jupiter above him. This makes him quite different from the Greek Ares, who is often shown as reckless and unpopular. Mars represented military force that protected the Roman community. His usual equipment included a helmet, spear and shield, while the wolf and woodpecker were sacred to him.

Mars was especially important because Romans believed he was the father of Romulus and Remus. Their mother was Rhea Silvia, and the twins were abandoned beside the River Tiber before being rescued by a she-wolf. Romulus later became Rome’s legendary founder, so Mars could be called the father of the Roman people. The month of March takes its name from Mars. It was once the beginning of the Roman year, when winter ended, crops started growing and armies could begin campaigning again. Priests called the Salii carried sacred shields through the streets while dancing and singing ancient songs.

Mars had many different titles. Mars Gradivus was connected with marching into battle, while Mars Ultor meant ‘Mars the Avenger’. Augustus built a magnificent temple to Mars Ultor after defeating the killers of Julius Caesar. Farmers could also ask Mars to protect crops, animals and workers from danger. Greek stories about Ares entered Roman mythology too, including Mars’s famous relationship with Venus and their embarrassing capture in Vulcan’s invisible net. The planet Mars was named after him, probably because its reddish colour reminded people of blood and warfare. I think the biggest mistake is imagining Mars as nothing but an angry fighter. For Romans, his strength had a purpose. He protected fields, soldiers, families and the future of Rome itself.

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