| Name | Martian Civilization |
| Origin | Established through early colonization efforts starting in the 1950s |
| Status | Autonomous, self-governing society |
| Location | |
| Current Role | Major space-faring power, influential member of the interplanetary community |
| Key Developments | Gained political and economic independence from Earth • Developed unique culture, technology and way of life |
The Martian Civilization is a self-governing society that has developed on the planet Mars over the past several decades. Tracing its origins to the mid-20th century when the first permanent human settlements were established on the Martian surface, this civilization has grown to become a technologically advanced, autonomous culture largely independent from its origins on Earth.
Manned missions to Mars became a reality much earlier in this alternate timeline, with the first crewed landing taking place in 1954 as part of an accelerated space race between the United States and the Soviet Union. This was enabled by breakthroughs in rocket technology, life support systems, and interplanetary travel that occurred a generation earlier than in our own history.
Over the following decade, a series of increasingly ambitious expeditions to Mars laid the groundwork for permanent human habitation. The Ares 1 mission in 1959 established the first research outpost, quickly followed by the Ares 2 mission in 1962 which constructed the initial elements of what would become the city of New Argyre. By the late 1960s, these Martian settlements had grown large enough to support self-sustaining populations.
As the Martian colonies became more self-sufficient, their relationship with their parent nations on Earth became increasingly strained. Debates raged over the political status of the Martian settlements, with some advocating for greater autonomy and others pushing for tighter control from Earth. This came to a head in the early 1980s when the Martian Colonist Council unilaterally declared the establishment of the Martian Civilization, a new sovereign state independent from any Earthly government.
The declaration of Martian independence was met with fierce opposition and threats of military intervention from the major powers on Earth. However, the Martians had by this point developed advanced robotics, aerospace engineering, and resource extraction capabilities that gave them a technological edge. After several years of heightened tensions, Earth ultimately recognized the Martian Civilization as a legitimate planetary power in 1987 following the Valles Marineris Accords.
Martian society has evolved quite differently from that of Earth, shaped by the unique challenges and opportunities of living on an alien world. The small, isolated population of the early colonies fostered a strong sense of Martian identity and unity, which was further reinforced by the need for self-sufficiency.
The Martian government is structured as a decentralized, technocratic federation with a heavy emphasis on sustainability, automation, and scientific advancement. Citizens participate directly in governance through a system of elected councils and citizen assemblies. Meanwhile, the Martian economy is primarily based on resource extraction, manufacturing of advanced technologies, and the provision of specialized services to the growing interplanetary community.
Culturally, Martians have developed a distinct visual aesthetic, incorporating bold colors, angular architecture, and an embrace of biotechnology that sets them apart from Earthly influences. Exploration, discovery, and a spirit of resilience are core values, reflected in everything from Martian art and literature to the sports and entertainment popular on the colony worlds.
In the present day, the Martian Civilization has grown to encompass a network of over a dozen major settlements across the planet, with a total population exceeding 2 million. It maintains a robust economy, a thriving cultural scene, and a technologically advanced military force. The Martians have also begun to establish their own extraterrestrial colonies and outposts on other planetary bodies, solidifying their status as a major power in the emerging interplanetary community.
While relations with Earth remain complex, the Martian Civilization has carved out a unique place for itself in the solar system. It continues to fascinate and inspire people worldwide with its incredible achievements in science, engineering, and adapting to life on an alien world. The story of how humanity took root on Mars and ultimately gave rise to this distinct Martian civilization is one of the great narratives of the modern age.
