October Horse
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In ancient Roman religion, the October Horse was an animal sacrifice to Mars carried out on October 15, coinciding with the end of the agricultural and military campaigning season. The rite took place during one of three horse-racing festivals held in honor of Mars, the others being the two Equirria on February 27 and March 14.
Coin with Mars and a bridled horse (Cosa, Etruria, 273-250 BC)
A terra sigillata stamp from Roman Gaul (Musée de la Céramique de Lezoux)
A curse tablet (defixio) aiming to affect the outcome of a chariot race (4th century), from the Via Appia, outside Porta San Sebastiano, Rome
Imperial Roman funerary relief showing a spear-bearing Achilles in a lunate biga, dragging the body of Hector, with a winged figure above
Mars (mythology)
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In ancient Roman religion and mythology, Mars is the god of war and also an agricultural guardian, a combination characteristic of early Rome. He is the son of Jupiter and Juno, and was pre-eminent among the Roman army's military gods. Most of his festivals were held in March, the month named for him, and in October, the months which traditionally began and ended the season for both military campaigning and farming.
Statue of Mars from the Forum of Nerva, 2nd century AD. Based on an Augustan-era original that utilized a Hellenistic Greek model from the 4th century BC. Located at the Capitoline Museums in Rome, Italy.
Mars caresses Venus enthroned. Wall-painting in Pompeii, c. 20 BC – 50s AD
A relief depicting Mars and Venus on a black-slip bowl from Campania, Italy, 250–150 BCE, British Museum
She-wolf and twins Romulus and Remus from an altar to Venus and Mars