The names of his horses were Aithon, Phlogios, Konabos and Phobos. Mars was a strong god and rode a chariot drawn by fire-breathing horses. Other symbols surrounding the God of War included a burning torch, a vulture, dog, woodpecker, eagle and owl. He carried a spear that was often depicted as covered in blood. Mars was often depicted clothed on bronze armor. The group of 12 ancilla were used in rituals. Priests were commissioned to protect the shield and eleven copies were made, reportedly to confuse would-be thieves. It was said that if the shield remained in the city, Rome would be safe. Legend has it that this shield fell from heaven during the rule of Pompilius. Mars was said to protect cities from invading armies and help soldiers crush rebellion as well.Īs the God of War, Mars had many symbols associated with him. This did not only apply to military campaigns of conquest. All aspects of war in Rome were associated with the God Mars. They believed that ultimately it was Mars who decided who would win any battle. Soldiers hoped that their prayers would appeal to Mars and that he would protect them in battle and lead them to victory. Soldiers in the Roman Army prayed to Mars before battle, asking that he might fight on their side. He was the patron God of soldiers and was worshiped prior to battle. Since he was the father of Romulus and Remus it was believed he would come to the aid of Rome during times of conflict or war. His persona represented military power and the noise and blood of battle. He was said to love the violence and conflict. It was even reported that Mars was the father of Romulus and Remus, the twin brothers who were the founders of Rome. He was thought to be difficult, argumentative and unpopular among the gods, but was revered by men especially soldiers. Mars himself was the god of war and was, himself, seen as protector of the Roman Army. Both his mother and father were renowned for strength and protection. His mother, Juno, was the protector of Roman women and was the patron Goddess of Rome. Jupiter was considered the chief, or central, guardian of Rome and was often considered to be witness to solemn oaths such as those undertaken by government officials or soldiers. His father, Jupiter, was the God of the sky and thunder. Mars was the son of the God Jupiter and the Goddess Juno. His role was second only to Jupiter, the leader of the pantheon. In Roman religion, Mars was a very important god. The Pantheon was built by the consul Agrippa between 27 B.C. Though it has been used as a church, historians are unsure of whether ancient Romans actually worshiped there. The exact purpose of the building is unknown. In fact, the famous Pantheon in Rome was dedicated to the Roman Gods. The goddesses were Juno, Minerva, Venus, Diana, Vesta and Ceres. The gods included: Jupiter, Neptune, Mars, Apollo, Vulcan and Mercury. This group included six gods and six goddesses. These 12 major gods were called the Dii Consentes. Romans worshiped a pantheon, also thought of as a council, of 12 major gods. Romans also held festivals and built temples to celebrate the Gods. At one time, even prisoners of war were offered as human sacrifices, but this practice was discontinued. To keep the Gods happy, Romans often participated in animal sacrifices of lambs, pigs or bulls. When good things like a battle victory or a good harvest happened, Romans believed it was evidence of help or approval from the Gods. If terrible things like natural disasters or battle losses occurred, Romans believed it was evidence that the Gods were unhappy with the people of Rome. It helped Romans make sense of good and bad things that happened. Religion was an important part of daily life in Rome.
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