The legend is linked to the origins of Florence and its destiny. The statue, which represented the Roman god of war, was located near the Ponte Vecchio, and was considered a protective symbol of the city.
In 1333, Florence was hit by a devastating flood of the Arno, which destroyed the Ponte Vecchio and caused the statue of Mars to collapse, detaching its head. It is said that from that moment on, the god would take revenge, depriving the city of his protection.
This belief was confirmed by subsequent events:
- in 1348 the Black Death
- in 1378 there was the revolt of the Ciompi (salaried workers of the Wool Guild)
- in 1494 the Medici dominion was overthrown by Savonarola
Some saw in these events the consequence of the “curse of Mars”.
