Ancient Mythology of Mars

The god of war is one of the most prominent and worshipped gods ancient Roman. In early Roman history he was a god of agriculture. Mars is also mentioned as a chthonic god (earth-god) and this could explain why he became a god of death and finally a god of war. He is the son of Jupiter and Juno. Jupiter had given rise to the goddess Minerva by birthing her through his head. Juno was jealous of this event, and asked the goddess Flora to help her in the task of creating a son. Flora, the goddess of blossoming plants touched Juno with magical herbs and created Mars in her womb.

Mars, the god of war

Mars raped the vestal virgin Rhea Silvia while she slept, she gave birth to twins called Romulus and Remus. Rhea was imprisoned because of the sacred laws of her vows, and her sons were left in baskets on the river. They were brought up by wolves and eventually founded Rome. Because he was the father of these legendary founders of Rome, and thus of the Roman people, the Romans styled themselves 'sons of Mars'.

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, and he is accompanied by Fuga and Timor, the personifications of flight and fear. The month March (Martius) is named after him (wars were often started or renewed in spring). His Greek equivalent is the god Ares.