When we gaze up at the night sky, few celestial bodies capture our imagination quite like Mars. Its fiery red color has inspired storytellers, scientists, and dreamers for thousands of years.
But have you ever wondered how Mars got its name? The journey from a mysterious light in the sky to the iconic name “Mars” is a fascinating intersection of mythology, language, and ancient observation.
Across centuries and cultures, people have woven their own stories around this striking planet, each leaving a mark on the name we use today. Understanding why Mars is called Mars means diving into a tapestry of Roman legends, Greek deities, and even the astrological traditions that continue to influence us.
While the history of naming planets is as old as civilization itself, Mars stands out for the vividness of its mythology and the enduring power of its name. Let’s explore the rich origins behind how Mars was named and why its fiery reputation endures.
The Ancient Observers: Early Encounters with Mars
Long before Mars had a formal name, ancient people noticed its distinct reddish hue. The planet’s brightness and color set it apart from other wanderers in the sky, sparking curiosity and wonder among early sky-watchers.
Ancient civilizations, from the Babylonians to the Egyptians, tracked Mars’ erratic path across the heavens. Its unpredictable movement and unique color led many to associate it with powerful, sometimes fearsome, forces.
People often believed that the cosmos reflected events on Earth, so Mars’ blood-red appearance was not taken lightly.
In many cultures, Mars was linked with war, blood, and aggression. This association was natural—the planet’s color mimicked the shade of blood, and its unpredictable retrograde motion gave it an air of danger.
Such characteristics made Mars a prime candidate for connections to deities of war and conflict.
- Babylonians: Identified Mars as “Nergal,” the god of war and plague.
- Ancient Egyptians: Called it “Her Desher,” meaning “the Red One.”
- Chinese astronomers: Referred to Mars as the “Fire Star.”
“The gods of the sky were not distant; their movements and colors brought messages to those who watched.” – Ancient proverb
Greek Mythology and the Naming of Ares
As Greek civilization flourished, so too did their stories about the cosmos. The Greeks named the red planet after Ares, their god of war, solidifying the association between Mars and martial power.
The Greeks saw the heavens as a stage for their gods, and each planet represented a divine force. For them, the red planet’s ominous glow was a clear symbol of Ares’ violent and passionate nature.
Ares, both feared and revered, fit Mars’ celestial character perfectly.
The Greeks’ influence would shape later cultures, particularly the Romans. But the Greek name “Ares” still echoes in astronomy today, especially in terms like “Areology” (the study of Mars).
This connection highlights the deep roots of Mars’ warlike identity.
- Ares was depicted with weapons, often accompanied by symbols of destruction.
- Myths described Ares as fierce, impulsive, and sometimes reckless—traits reminiscent of Mars’ unpredictable motion.
- The Greeks also used planetary names for astrological and medical purposes, further linking Mars to energy and aggression.
“Ares delights in the clash of arms, his spirit as fiery as the planet that bears his name.” – Paraphrase from Homeric Hymns
The Roman Influence: Mars, God of War
When the Romans adopted Greek mythology, they translated many deities and legends into their own language and culture. Ares became Mars, and the planet’s name was forever changed in the Western world.
To the Romans, Mars was more than just a god of war. He was a symbol of strength, discipline, and even agriculture.
Mars played a central role in Roman society, shaping their calendar and military traditions. Naming the planet after Mars reflected their reverence for his attributes.
Unlike Ares, who was often portrayed as chaotic, Mars was also seen as a protector of Rome and a father figure to its people. This duality—warrior and guardian—made the name even more significant, capturing the complexities of both the planet and the god.
- The Roman calendar’s first month, Martius (March), was dedicated to Mars.
- Major festivals, such as the Feriae Marti, honored Mars’ influence over the state.
- Roman soldiers believed Mars watched over them in battle, inspiring courage and unity.
“Mars was the father of Romulus, founder of Rome; thus, his name became a symbol for the city and its destiny.” – Roman historian Livy
Comparing Mars’ Names Across Civilizations
While the Roman and Greek names are the most familiar to us, Mars has been known by many names throughout history. Examining these names reveals both common threads and fascinating differences in how cultures viewed the red planet.
Many civilizations associated Mars with fire, blood, or war. Yet some, like the Hindus and Babylonians, infused the planet’s identity with additional layers of meaning.
By comparing these names, we can see the universality of Mars’ striking presence and the diversity of human imagination.
| Civilization | Name for Mars | Meaning/Association |
| Babylonian | Nergal | God of war and plague |
| Egyptian | Her Desher | The Red One |
| Greek | Ares | God of war |
| Roman | Mars | God of war and agriculture |
| Hindu | Mangal | Celestial warrior, auspiciousness |
| Chinese | Huoxing | Fire Star |
This table highlights that, regardless of language or mythology, Mars’ color and motion inspired awe. The similarities between names reflect universal themes of strength, conflict, and transformation.
For another interesting look at how names are woven with stories and identity, explore the legend behind the naming of Rome, which shares a mythological connection with Mars himself.
From Myth to Science: Mars in the Age of Discovery
As astronomy advanced, the fascination with Mars only grew. With the invention of telescopes in the 17th century, astronomers gained clearer views of the planet, yet the old names and stories endured.
Although scientists could now observe Mars’ surface features and polar caps, they continued to use the Roman name. The legacy of ancient myth remained powerful, blending with new discoveries and fueling speculation about life on Mars.
During the 19th and 20th centuries, Mars became the subject of intense scientific and popular interest. The planet’s reddish color and apparent “canals” led to tales of Martian civilizations, showing how myth and science often intertwine.
- Early astronomers like Giovanni Schiaparelli and Percival Lowell popularized the idea of life on Mars.
- The name “Mars” became synonymous with exploration, adventure, and the unknown.
- Science fiction writers used Mars as a canvas for stories about conflict, discovery, and hope.
“Mars has become a canvas for our hopes, fears, and dreams—its name a bridge between past myth and future possibility.” – Carl Sagan
Linguistic Evolution: How “Mars” Became Universal
The name “Mars” spread throughout Europe with the rise of Latin as a scholarly and liturgical language. As empires grew and education expanded, the Roman names for the planets became standard across much of the world.
Even as languages evolved, the influence of Latin endured. “Mars” was adopted in English, French, Spanish, and many other languages, displacing earlier names and establishing a new norm for scientific and popular discourse alike.
Today, the name Mars is instantly recognizable, though other versions persist in different linguistic traditions. This spread of a single name is a testament to Rome’s enduring legacy and the power of shared stories.
- In English, “Mars” is used in both astronomy and astrology.
- Other languages, like Italian and Spanish, use “Marte,” directly derived from Latin.
- Scientific terms such as “Martian” and “Areology” trace their roots to both Latin and Greek.
Names hold a unique place in human culture. If you’re curious about how names shape identities elsewhere, you might enjoy this exploration of how your name shapes first impressions.
Mars in Modern Culture and Science
In our time, Mars is more than an ancient deity or a point of light in the sky. It’s a symbol of exploration, science, and even the future of humanity.
From NASA’s Mars rovers to blockbuster films and novels, the planet’s name now represents adventure and possibility. Yet the echoes of its mythological past remain, adding depth and resonance to every new discovery.
As we send spacecraft and robots to the red planet, the name Mars continues to inspire. It bridges the gap between our ancient fears and our modern ambitions, reminding us that some names carry stories that never fade.
- “Martian” is now a common term for anything related to the planet Mars.
- Major space agencies have named missions after Mars, such as Mars Odyssey and Mars Express.
- Mars remains a popular theme in literature, art, and even video games.
“To name is to know. Mars is not just a planet; it is a legend, a dream, and a destination.” – Anonymous
If you love stories about how things get their names, you might also like learning about the origins of the term “Gilded Age”, which reveals how history and language shape our world.
The Enduring Legacy of Mars’ Name
The story of how Mars was named is a journey through myth, science, and culture. From ancient priests observing a red wanderer in the sky, to Greek poets and Roman generals, to modern scientists searching for life—each generation has added a layer to the legend of Mars.
The name Mars is more than a label. It’s a reflection of how humans interpret the universe, blending fact and fable into something enduring.
The planet’s name is a testament to our capacity for wonder, storytelling, and the desire to explore beyond our own world.
As we continue to reach for Mars with missions and dreams of human settlement, the name connects us to our ancestors. It reminds us that while technology and understanding advance, the stories we tell—and the names we give—remain powerful links to our shared past.
Names matter. Whether you’re learning about planets, people, or places, the stories behind names reveal the values and dreams of those who came before us.
For more name origins that might surprise you, take a look at how the last name Patel became so widespread, or uncover the history behind the name of Sing Sing Prison. The universe, like our own world, is full of names waiting to be discovered—and stories waiting to be told.
