Title: God of war Greek name: Ares Month: March Day of the Week: Tuesday |
English word: Martial means warlike. Solar system: planet Mars |
The Romans were great soldiers and thought Mars, the god of War, was very important. They said that he was the father of Romulus and Remus, the founders of Rome. When Romulus and Remus were babies, they were left to die. But they were found by a mother wolf, who suckled them. Romulus gave his name to Rome. The Campus Martius or field of Mars, was next to the river Tiber in in ancient Rome. It was used to train soldiers and hold horse races. March was called after Mars because that was when the soldiers started fighting again after winter. |
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Here is a painting of Mars and Venus. Mars is fast asleep. The little fauns with goats legs are playing with his armour. One of them is just about to blow his horn very loud in Mars's ear. I wonder what will happen next! |
© Jo Edkins 2009 - Return to Roman gods index