Romulus and Remus – The Founding of Rome

The story of Romulus and Remus is a legendary tale that explains the founding of Rome, the capital city of Italy. According to Roman mythology, the twin brothers Romulus and Remus were the sons of the god Mars and a mortal princess named Rhea Silvia.

Birth of Romulus and Remus

Their story begins with the reign of their grandfather, King Numitor of Alba Longa. Numitor was the rightful ruler, but his wicked younger brother, Amulius, seized the throne for himself. To secure his power, Amulius forced Numitor’s daughter, Rhea Silvia, to become a vestal virgin, ensuring she would never have children who could threaten his rule.

However, the gods had other plans. Mars, the god of war, fell in love with Rhea Silvia and visited her in the form of a mortal man. The princess became pregnant with twins, and when Amulius discovered her secret, he was furious. He ordered Rhea Silvia to be imprisoned and the infants to be abandoned in the Tiber River.

But fate intervened. The river god Tiberinus rescued the infants from their watery grave and carried them to safety. They were deposited on the riverbank near the base of Palatine Hill. There, a she-wolf named Lupa found them and, instead of harming them, she nursed them with her milk and protected them from harm.

Eventually, a shepherd named Faustulus discovered the twins in the care of the she-wolf. Recognizing their noble birth, he and his wife, Acca Larentia, took the boys in and raised them as their own. Romulus and Remus grew up in the countryside, tending to the flocks and developing their strength and skills.

Death of Remus

As the twins reached adulthood, they became renowned for their bravery and leadership qualities. They decided to establish their own city near the place where they were found. However, a disagreement arose between them over the location of the city. Romulus favored the Palatine Hill, where the she-wolf had nurtured them, while Remus preferred the Aventine Hill.

To settle the dispute, they sought a sign from the gods. They agreed that each would observe the flight of birds and interpret it as a divine message. Remus claimed to have witnessed six vultures first, a sign of good fortune. But soon after, Romulus declared that he had seen twelve vultures, signaling an even greater blessing.

They argued vehemently, each believing their interpretation to be correct. In a fit of frustration, Remus defiantly leaped over Romulus’s newly built walls in a gesture of mockery. This act deeply enraged Romulus, who saw it as disrespectful to his authority and the sanctity of their new city.

In a moment of rage, Romulus struck Remus, and in the ensuing scuffle, Remus was killed. Romulus, filled with regret and sorrow, mourned the loss of his beloved brother. Yet, he also recognized that he had become the sole ruler and founder of the city. In honor of his name and his destiny, he named the city Rome.

Founding of Rome

Romulus proceeded to develop the city of Rome, inviting people from neighboring regions to join and populate the settlement. He established laws, organized the government, and constructed the city’s defenses. To ensure a sufficient population, he offered asylum to fugitives and criminals, providing them with a fresh start in the new city.

Under Romulus’s leadership, Rome flourished and grew in prominence. The city attracted settlers, and its population swelled. Romulus was admired as a wise and powerful king, revered for his leadership and contributions to the city. The Romans celebrated his accomplishments and regarded him as a legendary figure who had shaped their destiny.

Disappearance

However, Romulus’s reign did not last forever. According to legend, after a long and prosperous rule, he disappeared under mysterious circumstances. Some accounts suggest that he ascended to the heavens as a god, while others claim that he was murdered and his body was hidden. Despite the uncertainty surrounding his fate, Romulus’s legacy as the legendary founder of Rome remains a significant part of Roman mythology and history.

The story of Romulus and Remus is not just about the founding of a city but also carries deeper themes of brotherhood, fate, and the struggle for power. It captures the imagination and serves as a powerful origin story for one of the most influential cities in history. Rome’s legacy as the Eternal City, with its rich history and contributions to art, culture, and governance, can be traced back to the mythical tale of two brothers and their extraordinary journey to build a new civilization.