Mars

This life-size homage to the Roman God of War is thought to be the best example of a Roman statue ever found in Britain. The god of war was very popular with the Roman army and it's no surprise that it was found in York, with its legionary fortress and garrison of some 5,000 soldiers.

Wearing full armour and carrying a sword and shield, the fourth century statue, like all Roman stonework, would have been painted and could well have appeared quite life-like. His feet are missing, it is likely they were left behind when he was pulled from his base. This was done quite carefully as there is no other damage. Perhaps his power still worried those who pulled down the temple.

The statue was discovered in 1880 on or beneath Bar Convent, York along with three religious altars. It was donated to the Yorkshire Museum (then the Yorkshire Philosophical Society) by the Mother Superior. The altars were dedicated to Mars, the Mother Goddesses, and Veteris respectively. It was carved "with great dexterity" from local sandstone and may originally have come from the fortress at Eboracum.

In the Yorkshire Museum, York.