Mars was the son of Jupiter. He became a most powerful and worshipped God! In his early days he was considered the God of Spring, symbolizing the fertility and growth for nature. He was also seen as the protector of cattle. For a short time he was referred to as the God of the Dead, which over time transformed into his more noted role as the God of War. He was named by the ancient Romans after the blood red planet in the sky. In Greek mythology, he was known as Ares.

Mars was often portrayed as a mighty warrior, dressed in full battle armor carrying his shield and wearing a crested helmet. He was accompanied by Timor and Fuga, representing fear and flight respectively. He also considered some animals to be sacred, namely the wolf, the woodpecker and the chicken. Many soldiers were known to carry chickens into battle as a result of this belief. Ancient Romans were active warriors, and were often going from one battle to the next. Their empire was built around their army, which in turn built their empire! It is no surprise that Mars became their patriarchal God.

Mars was also understood to be the father of Romulus and Remus, considered by many at the time as the founders of Rome. For this reason many Romans even considered themselves as Sons of Mars. The most famous of his love affairs was with Venus, who bore his children, Harmony and Cupid, no doubt named with the influence of the highly respected Goddess of Love and Beauty.

Many a celebration was held in his honor, as well as many temples built in order to worship the Roman God of War. Rome is famous for its Field of Mars, where armies were inspected and successful armies rejoiced in the spoils of their victory. Temples were built for armies to visit before battle, and for soldiers to be trained and disciplined to kill. Pre war ceremonies involved war chiefs moving the Lances of Mars and exclaiming 'Mars Vigila', which translates as 'Mars Awaken'. Armies and their generals alike relied on their God of War to lead them into victorious battle. Wars were often commenced in the springtime of March, the month named after Mars. At one time, the Roman year even commenced in March.

Mars, the God of War, represents violence. Whether an instinctive act or premeditated, his violent energy was usually a product of survival, power, or greed. He has also been recognized as the God who truly enjoyed the moment of a successful kill. It has been said that he relished looking over a battle field filled with the dead bodies of his enemies. He was truly mercenary in his attitude when it came to the art of war, effectively creating an infinite and brutal tool of death. His legacy has indeed carried on throughout the ages. It appears it has never been more noticeable than in today's supposedly wiser world!