First century statue of Mars at the Musei Capitolini in Rome

Originally an Italian god of agriculture and guardian of fields and boundaries, Mars was later connected to the Greek god of war, Ares. Mars was considered the god of warfare, as opposed to the goddess Minerva, the Roman equivalent of Athena, who was associated with military strategy. And although the Greek god Ares was portrayed as a destructive force, Mars to the Romans represented military power used to achieve stability. A festival celebrating Mars in both his roles, as a war god, and as an agricultural god, ran over three weeks long during the month of March, which was named after him. The festivities included processions of ritual dancing by priestly colleges, sacrifices, horse and chariot racing and purification of the sacred war trumpets and shields. Mars also had a series of festivals in February, May and October to honor him. His union with Rhea Silvia produced Romulus and Remus, the mythical founders of Rome; his union with Venus, the Roman goddess of love, produced the child Cupid. The wolf and the woodpecker were his sacred animals, and he is often portrayed wearing a helmet and carrying a spear.

Janus coin from Republican Rome, c. 225-12 BCE.                           Image courtesy of VROMA.org

Janus was one of the earliest gods, worshipped before Rome was founded as a city. He was the god of beginnings, and endings, and is often represented in two-headed form, looking both forward and backward. He was associated with doorways, gates and archways, and was the first god invoked in any sacrifice. The first month of the year was named after him, January. There was a cult in his honor on a hill in Rome, which was named after him, the Janiculum.