Prayer to Mars
Mars
Mars, whether you rush down from the cloud-capped Mount Haemus, whether on the frosty white mountains of Thrace, whether stirring on Monte Santo in Macedonia with the black boots of soldiers stationed on all the lands they hold, to make ready with me, and defend your Thrace, if it is made happy, the campaign coming into glory, the sacred oak will be dressed with an offering of spolia.
Fons · Source
AuthorClaudian
WorkIn Rufinum
Section1.334-348
Periodlate 4th / early 5th c. AD
OccasionStilicho's invocation of Mars before the campaign against Rufinus — promise of spolia on the sacred oak in exchange for victory
Classificatio · Taxonomy
Cultureroman
Formpersonal
DeitiesMars
Functionspetition · dedication
Spheremilitary