Since ancient times, Mars has fascinated Earthlings. The Romans, noting it's blood-red color, named it after their god of war. More recently, science-fiction writer H.G. Wells imagined bug-eyed Martians invading the Earth. His were only their first of many Martians to populate our books, movies and television.Since ancient times, Mars has fascinated Earthlings. The Romans, noting it's blood-red color, named it after their god of war. More recently, science-fiction writer H.G. Wells imagined bug-eyed Martians invading the Earth. His were only their first of many Martians to populate our books, movies and television.