In Roman mythology, Mars is the god of war and also an agricultural guardian, a combination characteristic of early Rome. He was second in importance only to Jupiter and he was the most prominent of the military gods in the religion of the Roman army. Most of his festivals were held in March, the month named for him (Latin Martius). His symbols are the spear and shield.
Mars’ role as god of war extended beyond his classical realm into Renaissance literature. In Macbeth by William Shakespeare, King Duncan is said to have been killed by “the invisible sword of Mars.”
Mars’ role as god of war extended beyond his classical realm into Renaissance literature.
The following are some of his important roles in Roman mythology:
-He was responsible for starting wars and also ending them
-He protected soldiers in battle
-His temple was located on the Capitoline Hill in Rome, near Jupiter’s temple, known as Jupiter Optimus Maximus (Jupiter Best and Greatest).
Mars is depicted as a muscular warrior wearing a helmet and armor, carrying a spear (or sometimes two spears), and occasionally riding a chariot drawn by horses or lions.
The Romans named many planets after their gods because they thought that each planet influenced something on earth; hence Mars was associated with war and agriculture.
