# The Legend of Romulus and Remus

# The Founding of Rome: Legend, Myth, and Reality

The story of Rome's founding intertwines legend and archaeology, revealing the origins of one of civilization's greatest empires. From twin brothers nursed by a wolf to the evidence on the Palatine Hill, Rome's foundation in 753 BCE marks the beginning of a journey that shaped Western civilization.

According to Roman mythology, Romulus and Remus were twin brothers, descendants of the Trojan hero Aeneas, born to the Vestal Virgin Rhea Silvia and the god Mars. Their grandfather King Numitor had been overthrown by his brother Amulius, who ordered the infants abandoned on the flooding Tiber River.

The basket came to rest at the Palatine Hill, where a she-wolf nursed them in a cave called the Lupercal. A shepherd named Faustulus raised them until they reached manhood and reclaimed their heritage.

Historical context illustration

## The She-Wolf Symbol

The Lupa Capitolina (Capitoline Wolf) became Rome's most enduring symbol. The famous bronze statue now in the Capitoline Museums represents divine favor and the fierce, protective nature of Roman civilization.

## Historical Origins

Archaeological excavations on the Palatine Hill have uncovered Iron Age settlements dating to the 10th and 9th centuries BCE. Rome likely emerged from the gradual unification of Latin and Sabine settlements across the seven hills, transforming from scattered hamlets to a unified city-state over generations.

## The Seven Hills of Rome

Rome's geographic foundation: the Palatine, Aventine, Capitoline, Quirinal, Viminal, Esquiline, and Caelian hills. Each originally housed separate communities. The strategic location provided defense against invaders and controlled trade routes between Etruscan territories and Greek colonies.

## The Early Roman Kingdom

Rome was ruled by seven kings over approximately 244 years. After Romulus came Numa Pompilius (religious institutions), Tullus Hostilius (warrior king), Ancus Marcius, and three Etruscan kings who transformed Rome with monumental architecture.

## From Kingdom to Republic

The kingdom ended dramatically in 509 BCE with the expulsion of Tarquinius Superbus. Romans abolished the kingship and established the Republic with elected consuls, a powerful Senate, and citizen assemblies - concepts that would influence political philosophy for thousands of years.

### Fascinating Facts

- April 21, 753 BCE is still celebrated annually as "Natale di Roma" (Rome's Birthday)
- Romulus killed Remus in a dispute over where to found the city
- The word "palace" derives from the Palatine Hill
- Romulus disappeared in a thunderstorm and was deified as Quirinus