More than 3,000 years ago, the Sumerians called the red spot in the sky Nergal after their god of death. Other cultures named it for their own gods of war: Pahlavani Siphir in Persian, Harmakhis in Egyptian, Tui in Norse, Ares in Greek. Today we still refer to the planet as the Romans did when they named it for their god of war -- Mars.
Mars was originally a god of farmland and fertility. He was also the father of Romulus and Remus, the legendary founders of Rome, and the protector and provider of the city in wartime. When the Romans came in contact with the Greeks, they fused Mars with Ares, the minor Greek god of war, and, as Rome became more military-minded, so did Mars. By the time of Augustus, he was the most popular god in the pantheon.
Mars' symbols were the woodpecker, with crested head and red stripe, and the wolf. March and October were dedicated to his honor, and festivals marking the beginning and end of the agricultural and military seasons were held. During March, the month named for him, members of the ancient priesthood of the Salii would also perform ceremonial war dances.
Romans called on Mars to keep enemies of all kinds from crops and herds and to ward off disease, infertility, and even death. Mars worship reached its peak in 250 AD.
