Mars and its Roman and Greek History

The moons and planets of the solar system are named for various Gods, Goddesses and their children. Mars for instance is named after a Roman god, but others take their names from Greek mythology instead.

Not many people know the stories of why these mythical characters, or why the various celestial bodies are named after them. Let’s clear that up here with 10 facts about the Planet Mars, its moons and the mythological backgrounds of each.

1. Mars is named for the Roman god of war

Lots of people believe that ancient people made an association between the planet Mars and bloodshed - because of the red colour of the planet.

Did you know?

The symbol for the Red Planet is a circle with an arrow coming from the top right - this represents the shield and spear of the war god Mars.

2. Ares, the Greek god of war, had two horses

According to Greek Mythology, the god of war (Ares, the counterpart to Mars) rode on a chariot that was pulled by two horses. These horses were named Deimos and Phobos. This meant panic and fear, respectively.

Did you know?

As you have probably guessed, the two moons of Mars were named for these horses.

3. The discoverer of the moons of Mars named them

Both moons, albeit 6 days apart, were first observed in 1877 by the American astronomer Asaph Hall.

Did you know?

He likely named them for Greek mythological beings, as opposed to Roman because Ares had war horses and Mars did not.

4. The ancient Romans named several planets

The name Mars comes directly from the ancient Romans. They had observed seven bright celestial objects in the night sky. These objects were 5 planets and, of course, the Sun and moon.

Did you know?

Not all moon and planet names come from Roman mythology, some come from Greek mythology too.

5. Mars had a lot of responsibilities

Mars was not just the God of War. He was also the god of death and the protector of Rome and its Caesars. He was also regarded as a primary god of the Roman religion.

Did you know?

Mars was second only to Jupiter, the 'chief' of the gods.

6. The stories of Mars are mostly influenced by those of Ares

A lot of the Myths about the Roman god of war are drawn from those about Ares, the Greek god. For example, when Jupiter gave birth to Minerva, his wife (Juno) was jealous. Flora (goddess of plants) gave Juno a herb that allowed an immaculate conception.

Did you know?

The resulting child from the conception was Mars.

7. Romans were children of Mars

The Roman Empire, as with others, grew due to the conquest of other nations and the Romans were proud of their expertise in warfare. It is little wonder then that the God of War was so prominent in their culture.

Did you know?

Romans considered themselves children of Mars, and they would also observe the planet Mars to determine what the God Mars wanted.

8. Mars lives on

As with many ancient deities, the legacy of Mars lives on today in the naming of planets and moons. The planet Mars, fourth from the Sun, has always been associated with bloodshed and warfare.

Did you know?

Although the actual worship of Mars has faded into history, people still 'read' the positions of the planets in astrology to make predictions.

9. There were festivals held to honour Mars

Mars’ festivals were held in Spring and Autumn, at the start and end of the agricultural and military season. It is because of this that March was named for Mars.

Did you know?

Horse races were held in October, called the October Horse, and were two-horse chariot races in honour of Phobos and Deimos (presumably).

10. The symbol for Mars is found in several places

The symbol for both the god Mars is the same as the symbol for the planet Mars, but it can be elsewhere too. The symbol for the male gender is also the Mars symbol.

Did you know?

The chemical symbol for iron is also the shield and spear. This is rather fitting because the reddish appearance of the planet comes from the iron oxide in the surface dust of the planet.