Mars was the god of war in Roman mythology. The ancient Romans gave Mars special importance because they considered him the father of Romulus and Remus, the legendary founders of Rome.
Originally, Mars was a god of farmland and fertility. The month of March, the beginning of the Roman growing season, was named for him. Since ancient times, the area enclosed by a bend in the Tiber River in Rome has been called the Field of Mars. The early Romans dedicated this section of land to Mars because of its fertility.
Mars became the god of war after the Romans came into contact with Greek culture. They gave him many characteristics of the Greek god of war, Ares. In time, the Romans associated Mars principally with war. Before going into battle, Roman troops offered sacrifices to him. After winning a battle, they gave Mars a share of their spoils. The word martial, which means warlike, is based on the god’s name. The planet Mars is named for him.
Artists show Mars in armor and wearing a crested helmet. Editorial cartoonists still use this image of Mars as a symbol for war. The wolf and the woodpecker were associated with Mars. His love affair with Venus, the Roman goddess of love, became a popular subject for poets and painters.
