Mars Material: Shell. Date: ca 1800. Origin: Italy Size: 2 1/8 x 1 3/4 Condition: 100% mint.   This true museum quality masterpiece, carved in very high-relief, depicts the God of War Mars. I think it dont need many words... I feel this is one of the most beautiful cameos we can find. Mars was to the Romans the God of War, a terrifying and mighty warrior who dashed around in a bronze war chariot drawn by two horses symbolizing his two companions: "Phobos" (Fear) and "Deimos" (Panic, Terror). He carried a burnished shield and brandished a long spear. On this cameo you can see Mars with his long spear in his right hand, he wears a red helmet, his shield is standing behind him in his chariot and his suit of armor besides him. His bronze chariot - drawn by Phobos and Deimos - is lavishly decorated with battle scenes. The Psychological Aspect of Mars: --------------------------------- The Romans feared him greatly, for they said that, when Mars raised his head, flashes of lightning and thunder played around his head. His powerful emotions, (the blood & fire of his ego), would overwhelm his more divine abilities. As a result of these powerful emotions, Mars tended to make the wrong judgement about the world around him. Mars is both associated with the colour red & the metal iron, and we can find both of these things in the blood stream. He rejoiced in the carnage and the blood bath of battle. Roman Belief or Superstition: ------------------------------ The Romans thought that Mars could do almost anything because he was so strong. When they went to war, they carried a cage full of chickens sacred to Mars. Before the battle they offered corn to the chickens. Breathlessly, the Roman soldiers awaited the result. If the birds rejected the corn, they feared defeat. If they ate it, the Romans felt confident of victory. The Aspect of Mars concerning our Calendar: ------------------------------------------- Mars, the god of war, has given his name to the month of March, for the Romans considered it a noisy, blustering month. The Roman year began in the month of March, but when the calendar was reformed by Pope Gregory XIII, January was made the first month. The Aspect of Mars in Astronomy: -------------------------------- The planet in the next outer orbit next to Earth is named after Mars. When it was discovered to have two moons, these moons were given the names Phobos and Deimos. Gabriele Thau for Pommeraie Antiques. All rights reserved 2004