Paper short abstract:

This paper aims to discuss how the representations of Mars in ancient discourse, both as an archetypal warrior and as a divine source of inner strength in battle, contributed to shape the identity of Roman soldiers in the Late republican and early imperial periods.

Paper long abstract:

The manifestations of Mars are diverse, yet they are systematically linked to war or combat, be it as a fierce warden guarding the city or the land against enemies both “visible and invisible” (Cat. Agr. 141; Mars Pater) or as a force active in the midst of battle slaying soldiers from both sides (Mars Caecus, Mars Communis). However, it seems his presence can also be felt at an individual level. Indeed, Augustan poetry often directly compares exceptional soldiers to the god of war, be it for their virtues or ferocity (e. g. : Verg. Aen. 12.107-109) or because of their way of fighting, reminiscent of the god (e. g. Flac. 7.644-648). Some may even appear to surpass him (e. g. Scaeva in Luc. 6. 250-256). Sometimes, a “personal” Mars (Mars suus) appears as well, giving strength and courage to the miles, so that he may act in a way worthy of the god. Therefore, in what ways did these representations of Mars contribute define the behaviour of the ideo typical soldier in Roman society ? How directly was he associated with the military life and ethos ?

This study aims therefore to examine the extent to which Mars as a divine figure contributed to shape the mindset and actions of Roman soldiers in the late republican and early imperial period, from the 1st century B. C. to the 2nd century A.D. To that end, we will examine literary - especially poetic – and epigraphic sources in which Mars is associated to individual military men. We will try to envision this divine figure as a form of "technology of the self", that could be used by soldiers to define their actions and conduct.