MARS
This 2nd Century CE Roman bronze statuette of Mars
shows the god wearing elaborate, Greek-style armor.
Mars was an ancient Italian god of agriculture,
the protector of fields and boundaries;
Later he became identified with the Greek god ARES and
during the early Republic, he took on the role of god of WAR and served as
a major deity in the pantheon of the Romans, who were proud of their
military prowess.
The Month of March is named after MARS
The new year began with, March or
MARTIUS
In the original 10 month Roman calendar. .
( Sept = 7, Oct = 8, Nov = 9, Dec= 10)
New months (July and August) were added after Julius and Augustus
Ceasar
The God Mars had his own special priest among the ancient order of Roman priests called flamines; the flamen Martialis was one of the three major flamines, who were required to be patricians. In fact Roman legend made Mars the founder of the Roman race with the story that the god had impregnated the vestal Virgin Rhea Silvia, who gave birth to the twins Romulus and Remus. In mythology, MARS was the lover of the goddess VENUS (godess of LOVE), who as the mother of Aeneas was also associated with the legendary origins of Rome, founded on SEVEN HILLS.
In the Forum of Augustus in Rome, the emperor Augustus built a Temple of Mars Ultor (“Mars the Avenger”) to commemorate his victory over those who had assassinated his adoptive father, Julius Caesar.
MRSA
THE FLESH EATING SUPERBUG
Each year about 100,000 people,
or nine in every 100, who go into hospital will pick up an infection
there.
Of these, about 5,000 will die.
