Mars

Roman The god of war who, in his earliest forms, was a god of agriculture and prosperity. Mars was the second most powerful god in early Roman mythology, after Jupiter. With Jupiter and the god Quirinus, Mars shared a position of prominence in the religious lives of the people of rome. While Mars remained a prominent god, he and Quirinus were replaced as part of the supreme trio by Juno and Minerva. Mars has old origins. Some suggest he was an agricultural god of the Sabine people. As a god who watched over their food supply, Mars was seen as the primary protector of their society. Mars was also known as the father of Romulus and Remus, the twin brothers, who according to some legends, founded the city of Rome. He was referred to as "Father Mars" and Romans believed themselves to be his descendants. As Rome expanded from a city into an empire through military power, Mars evolved into the god who protected the nation by protecting its army. In that way, he became the god of war. When Roman armies conquered peoples and lands across Europe and the Mediterranean, the soldiers and colonists who followed them built temples to Mars to thank him for their success. They built most of their temples outside of cities, where Mars could watch over the land. In time, Mars became associated with Ares, the Greek god of war, and took on some of his attributes. Unlike many other Roman gods, however, Mars retained most of his ancient reputation and mythology despite the influence of Greek culture. The month of March, the first in the Roman calendar, received its name from Mars, for that was the beginning of the growing season and the beginning of the season to wage war. He was often portrayed carrying a shield and spears or lances. The oak and fig trees and the woodpecker were sacred to Mars. In astronomy, Mars is the fourth planet from the Sun in the solar system. It was well known to the ancient Romans as the star that shone red in the sky. Its color, the color of blood, strengthened the connection between Mars and war.