Mars was the Roman god of war and agriculture. He was the son of Jupiter and Juno, the father of Romulus and Remus. Mars was often linked with the goddess Bellona who drove his chariot. His main sanctuaries were the temple in Campus Martius (Field of Mars) in Rome and the temple of Mars Ultor (Mars the Avenger). The month of March was named after him, with a festival on March 1st called the Feriae Marti, which was New Years Day in the old Roman calendar. Another festival where Mars was honored was the Armilustrium on October 19, this was when the military arms were purified and put in storage for the winter.

• He was usually depicted as a warrior in full battle uniform with a crested helmet and a shield