In the daily lives of the Romans, religion played an important role. It helped the citizens of Rome to make sense of the bad and good things that happened to them. When a good thing happed such as a good harvest or victory in battle, the Romans believed that was a sign of approval or help from the gods. The Romans worshiped a council of 12 gods, known as the Dii Consentes; made up of six goddesses and six gods, amongst them god Mars. Roman god of war, Mars, was second in power only to Jupiter, the sun god, in the Roman pantheon. The myth of Mars was mostly borrowed from Ares, the Greek war god. However, Mars was significantly different from Ares due to the unique Roman features that Mars had. Mars was considered to be more level headed as compared to Ares, who has disruptive and impulsive. Mars was also more virtuous as compared to the Ares. The Romans held significant warfare festivals in honor of Mars.
Table of Contents
1. Roman Mythology; Mars the Roman god of war
Objectives and Themes
This paper examines the mythological role of the Roman god Mars, specifically arguing that his function transcended that of a mere war god to include significant aspects of a protective and purificatory deity who ensured the state's well-being and legitimacy.
- The dual nature of Mars as both a war god and a nature deity.
- The significance of Roman religious festivals (e.g., Equirria, Armilustrium) in defining Mars' character.
- The concept of lustration as a protective and purificatory practice within Roman state religion.
- The comparison between the Roman Mars and the Greek Ares.
- The integration of Mars into the Roman social norms and traditional values (mos maiorum).
Excerpt from the Book
Roman Mythology; Mars the Roman god of war
In the daily lives of the Romans, religion played an important role. It helped the citizens of Rome to make sense of the bad and good things that happened to them. When a good thing happed such as a good harvest or victory in battle, the Romans believed that was a sign of approval or help from the gods. The Romans worshiped a council of 12 gods, known as the Dii Consentes; made up of six goddesses and six gods, amongst them god Mars. Roman god of war, Mars, was second in power only to Jupiter, the sun god, in the Roman pantheon. The myth of Mars was mostly borrowed from Ares, the Greek war god. However, Mars was significantly different from Ares due to the unique Roman features that Mars had. Mars was considered to be more level headed as compared to Ares, who has disruptive and impulsive. Mars was also more virtuous as compared to the Ares. The Romans held significant warfare festivals in honor of Mars1. This paper discusses the myth of the Roman god Mars. I will argue that Mars myth played an important role in explaining the Roman state’s nature and legitimize the sense of purification to the Roman god, Mars with Mars playing the role of war god and as a nature deity. The essay argues that Mars was a war god based on the analysis of various versions of sources of Mars myth as seen in Campbell’s The Oxford Handbook of Warfare in Classical World and Hornblower’s The Oxford Classical Dictionary.
Summary of Chapters
1. Roman Mythology; Mars the Roman god of war: This section provides an introduction to the role of religion in Roman society, introduces Mars as a central deity within the Dii Consentes, and establishes the research argument regarding his multifaceted nature as both a war god and a protective, purificatory figure.
Keywords
Mars, Roman Mythology, War God, Lustration, Dii Consentes, Ares, Roman Religion, Military Festivals, Purification, Protective Deity, Mos Maiorum, Virtus, Ancile, Warfare, Roman State
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary focus of this paper?
The paper explores the mythology of the Roman god Mars, specifically analyzing his role in Roman society beyond simple warfare, focusing on his function as a protector and a purificatory deity.
What are the core themes explored in the text?
The core themes include the interpretation of Mars as a nature deity versus a war god, the role of military festivals, the practice of lustration, and the moral values associated with the Roman social code known as mos maiorum.
What is the central research question?
The research aims to explain how the myth of Mars served to define the nature of the Roman state and legitimize religious practices, specifically arguing for his role as a protector and purifier of the state.
Which scientific methodology is applied?
The author uses a qualitative analysis of various mythological sources, scholarly literature, and historical records regarding Roman religious festivals and rituals to build the argument.
What topics are covered in the main body of the work?
The main body examines scholarly debates on Mars' nature, compares him to the Greek Ares, details specific Roman festivals like the Equirria and Armilustrium, and discusses the symbolism of the Ancile and Cato’s protective prayers.
Which keywords best describe this research?
Relevant keywords include Mars, Roman Mythology, Lustration, War God, Roman Religion, Purification, and Mos Maiorum.
How does Mars differ from the Greek god Ares?
While Ares is portrayed as impulsive, promiscuous, and chaotic, the text describes Mars as more level-headed, virtuous, and strategic, serving as a patron to the Roman state.
What is the significance of the Roman festivals held in March and October?
These festivals, such as the Armilustrium and Tibilustrium, were essential for the ritual lustration of soldiers, weapons, and horses, ensuring the protection of the army before and after military campaigns.
What role does the 'Ancile' play in the myth of Mars?
The Ancile was a sacred shield believed to have fallen from heaven; its presence in Rome was seen as essential for the safety of the city, highlighting Mars' protective function over the state.
What is the connection between Mars and Roman social norms?
Mars embodied key traditional Roman values such as virtus, gravitas, and constantia, which were fundamental to the mos maiorum and held in high regard by the Roman military.
- Arbeit zitieren
- International Business Management David Onditi (Autor:in), 2019, Roman Mythology. Mars the Roman god of war, München, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/537197
