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Mars
(2,454 words)

[German version]

I. Cult and myth

Mars is one of the oldest Italic-Roman deities. His original functions have been superimposed to such an extent that it proves difficult, maybe even impossible, to determine today the concepts that the Italic-Roman people had of him. The limitation of his function to the aspect of war corresponded to the interest of the Roman aristocracy to control the social significance and use of warfare.

[German version]

A. Name

Of the different forms of the name, Mārs was probably the…

Cite this page
Gordon, Richard L. (Ilmmünster) and Ley, Anne (Xanten), “Mars”, in: Brill’s New Pauly, Antiquity volumes edited by: Hubert Cancik and , Helmuth Schneider, English Edition by: Christine F. Salazar, Classical Tradition volumes edited by: Manfred Landfester, English Edition by: Francis G. Gentry. Consulted online on 28 March 2024 <http://dx.doi.org/10.1163/1574-9347_bnp_e724970>
First published online: 2006
First print edition: 9789004122598, 20110510



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