Ares: From Mycenaean Greece to Roman Mythology

Ares, the ancient god of war, embodies a complex and often contradictory figure in classical mythology. Revered for his might yet feared for his ruthless nature, Ares’ influence spans from Mycenaean Greece to Roman civilization.

Despite his primal association with conflict, Ares played diverse roles within various cultural contexts, reflecting societal attitudes toward warfare and valor. Understanding these evolutions provides valuable insights into how ancient cultures perceived power and aggression.

Origins in Mycenaean Greece

Ares’ roots can be traced back to the Mycenaean civilization, where he was known as Enyalios, a name that appears in Linear B tablets. These early references suggest that Ares was already associated with martial prowess and the chaos of battle. Unlike other gods who enjoyed widespread veneration, Ares’ worship was more localized, hinting at a specialized role within the pantheon.

The Mycenaeans, a warrior society, likely saw Ares as a divine embodiment of their own martial values. His presence in their religious texts underscores the importance they placed on warfare and conquest. This early depiction of Ares as a fierce and relentless deity set the stage for his later characterizations in classical mythology.

As Greek culture evolved, so did the portrayal of Ares. In Homeric epics, he is depicted as a formidable yet often reckless god, whose actions on the battlefield could be as destructive to his allies as to his enemies. This duality reflects the complex nature of war itself—both a source of glory and a harbinger of suffering. The Mycenaean influence is evident in these stories, where Ares’ raw, untamed energy mirrors the chaotic and brutal nature of ancient combat.

Role in the Trojan War

Ares’ role in the Trojan War, as depicted in Homer’s “Iliad,” is emblematic of his volatile and combative nature. Unlike other deities who often chose sides and worked strategically, Ares’ involvement was marked by unpredictability and raw aggression. Initially aligning with the Trojans, his motivations were less about loyalty and more about the sheer thrill of battle. This alignment placed him in direct conflict with several Greek gods, complicating the divine dynamics of the war.

In one of the most vivid scenes, Ares engages in a fierce combat with Athena, the goddess of wisdom and warfare. Athena, representing strategic warfare, outmaneuvers Ares, showcasing the superiority of strategy over brute force. This confrontation not only highlights the personal rivalries among the gods but also serves as a broader commentary on the nature of war itself. Ares’ defeat at the hands of Athena underscores his limitations and the inherent chaos that follows his presence.

Moreover, Ares’ interactions with mortals during the Trojan War further illustrate his complex character. He is depicted as both a formidable warrior and a source of fear. His brief alliances with various Trojan heroes, such as Hector, demonstrate his capacity to inspire and lead in battle. Yet, his impulsive actions often resulted in greater turmoil, affecting the outcomes of crucial confrontations. The dichotomy of Ares’ influence—both as an inspiring force and a destructive presence—mirrors the duality of war experienced by soldiers on the ground.

Ares’ tumultuous relationship with Aphrodite, the goddess of love, also adds another layer to his role in the war. Their liaison, often marked by passion and betrayal, parallels the chaotic and unpredictable nature of the battlefield. Aphrodite’s interventions, driven by her affection for Ares, create additional complications, intertwining love and war inextricably. This interplay between personal relationships and broader conflict enriches the narrative, providing a more nuanced understanding of Ares’ character.

Worship and Cult Centers

The worship of Ares, while not as widespread as that of other Olympian deities, was nonetheless significant in certain regions of ancient Greece. His cult centers were often located in areas with strong military traditions, reflecting the localized reverence for his warlike attributes. One of the most notable sanctuaries dedicated to Ares was situated in the city of Sparta, a society renowned for its martial culture. Here, Ares was venerated as a patron of warriors, and rituals in his honor were designed to invoke bravery and martial prowess among the Spartan soldiers.

Further north, in the region of Thrace, Ares’ worship took on a distinct character. Thracians, known for their warrior spirit, considered Ares one of their principal deities. Archaeological findings, including weapons and armor dedicated to Ares, suggest that his cult was deeply integrated into the Thracian way of life. The rituals performed in his name often involved martial dances and blood sacrifices, emphasizing the raw, untamed aspects of war that Ares embodied. These practices highlight the cultural variations in how Ares was perceived and worshipped across different Greek territories.

In Athens, the cult of Ares was more subdued but still present. The Areopagus, a prominent rock outcropping near the Acropolis, served as a judicial and legislative center and was named after Ares. According to myth, Ares was tried here by the other gods for the murder of Poseidon’s son, Halirrhothius. This association with legal proceedings underscores a more complex dimension of Ares, linking him to themes of justice and retribution beyond mere warfare. The presence of a temple dedicated to Ares in the Agora further indicates that his worship, while not as fervent as in Sparta or Thrace, was nonetheless an integral part of Athenian religious life.

Ares in Greek Tragedy

Ares’ presence in Greek tragedy offers a nuanced exploration of his character, delving into themes that extend beyond his martial identity. Playwrights like Aeschylus, Sophocles, and Euripides often invoked Ares to symbolize the destructive and uncontrollable forces of human nature. In these tragedies, Ares is often an unseen but palpable force, his influence felt through the chaos and conflict that drive the narrative.

In Aeschylus’ “Seven Against Thebes,” Ares’ impact is vividly portrayed. The city of Thebes is besieged, and Ares is invoked as the embodiment of the relentless violence engulfing the city. The character of Ares here is more than a deity; he represents the inevitability of war and the cycle of vengeance that plagues human societies. This depiction aligns with the tragic themes of fate and the inescapable consequences of human actions, adding a layer of depth to the portrayal of Ares.

Sophocles takes a different approach in works like “Ajax,” where Ares is a symbol of the internal struggle within the warrior’s psyche. Ajax, driven to madness and despair by his sense of dishonor, embodies the darker side of Ares’ influence. The god’s presence is felt in the hero’s uncontrollable rage and tragic downfall, illustrating the devastating impact of unchecked aggression and the psychological toll of war. This internalization of Ares’ attributes offers a profound commentary on the human condition and the complexities of warrior ethos.

Euripides, known for his psychological insight, uses Ares to explore themes of familial conflict and societal upheaval. In plays such as “The Trojan Women,” the aftermath of war and the suffering of its victims are central themes. Ares is not a prominent character but a looming presence that underscores the senseless destruction and emotional devastation left in the wake of conflict. This portrayal highlights the broader consequences of Ares’ influence, extending the impact of war beyond the battlefield to the very fabric of society.

Ares in Roman Mythology

When the Romans adopted the Greek pantheon, Ares underwent a transformation, becoming Mars. Unlike his Greek counterpart, Mars was a far more revered figure in Roman society, embodying not just war but also agricultural guardianship and fatherhood. This multifaceted nature made Mars a more integral part of Roman culture, reflecting Roman values of discipline, duty, and reverence for military prowess.

Mars’ worship was deeply embedded in Roman state religion. He was considered one of the most important gods, second only to Jupiter. The Campus Martius, or Field of Mars, was a central location in Rome where military exercises and public assemblies took place, emphasizing his significance. Additionally, Mars was celebrated during festivals such as the Feriae Marti and the Armilustrium, where soldiers would purify their weapons and armor in his honor. This differed from the Greek focus on individual heroism, highlighting Rome’s collective military spirit.

Symbolism and Attributes

Ares’ symbolism and attributes offer a rich tapestry of meanings, reflecting his complex nature. Often depicted with a spear and shield, Ares symbolizes both protection and aggression. His armor, usually adorned with a crested helmet, underscores his readiness for battle, while his chariot, drawn by fire-breathing horses, represents the relentless advance of war.

The animals associated with Ares further illuminate his character. The dog and the vulture, both scavengers, symbolize the aftermath of conflict and the destructive consequences of war. These creatures serve as a reminder of the darker aspects of Ares’ influence, contrasting with the more honorable attributes of other warrior deities. The serpent, another of Ares’ symbols, signifies cunning and danger, adding another layer to his already multifaceted persona.

In art and literature, Ares is frequently portrayed as a youthful yet fierce figure, embodying the raw energy and impulsiveness of battle. This depiction aligns with his mythological narratives, where his actions are often driven by a passionate and unrestrained nature. Unlike Athena, who represents strategic warfare, Ares’ symbolism is rooted in the chaotic and unpredictable elements of conflict, offering a stark contrast that enriches the understanding of ancient perceptions of war.