1.1 The Founding of Rome

Rome's founding blends myth and history. Legends of Romulus and Remus, and Aeneas's Trojan origins, gave Romans a sense of divine favor and destiny. These stories shaped Roman identity and justified their growing power.

Rome's location was key to its success. The seven hills provided defense, while the Tiber River offered resources and trade routes. Fertile soil and a mild climate supported agriculture, helping the city grow and thrive.

Mythological Origins of Rome

Founding Legends and Divine Ancestry

Top images from around the web for Founding Legends and Divine Ancestry

• 

  She Wolf with Romulus and Remus | Capitoline Museum - Rome | Flickr View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  File:She-wolf of Rome.JPG - Wikipedia View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  File:Roman She-wolf, Romulus, Remus, replica Capitole, Rome, Italy.jpg - Wikimedia Commons View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  She Wolf with Romulus and Remus | Capitoline Museum - Rome | Flickr View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  File:She-wolf of Rome.JPG - Wikipedia View original

  Is this image relevant?

1 of 3

Top images from around the web for Founding Legends and Divine Ancestry

• 

  She Wolf with Romulus and Remus | Capitoline Museum - Rome | Flickr View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  File:She-wolf of Rome.JPG - Wikipedia View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  File:Roman She-wolf, Romulus, Remus, replica Capitole, Rome, Italy.jpg - Wikimedia Commons View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  She Wolf with Romulus and Remus | Capitoline Museum - Rome | Flickr View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  File:She-wolf of Rome.JPG - Wikipedia View original

  Is this image relevant?

1 of 3

• Romulus and Remus myth forms core of Rome's founding legend
  • Twin brothers suckled by a she-wolf
  • Romulus ultimately founded Rome after conflict with Remus
• Aeneas portrayed as ancestor of Roman people in Virgil's Aeneid
  • Trojan hero linked Rome to ancient Greek world
  • Established divine lineage through Venus, Aeneas' mother
• 753 BCE traditionally accepted as Rome's founding year
  • Based on calculations by Roman scholar Marcus Terentius Varro
  • Date became central to Roman chronology and historical identity

Significance and Cultural Impact

• Mythological origins legitimized Rome's power and expansion
  • Provided sense of divine favor and destiny
  • Used as propaganda to support political agendas (Augustus' reign)
• Influenced Roman religious practices
  • Mars worshipped as father of Romulus and Remus
  • Vestal Virgins tended sacred flame, linking to Vesta's role in Aeneid
• She-wolf (lupa) became powerful symbol in Roman culture
  • Represented city's strength and nurturing spirit
  • Depicted in numerous artworks (Capitoline Wolf bronze statue)

Geography and Early Rome

Topographical Advantages

• Rome's location on seven hills provided natural defenses
  • Palatine, Aventine, Capitoline hills offered strategic high ground
  • Facilitated control over surrounding areas
• Tiber River offered vital resources and protection
  • Served as water source for growing population
  • Provided transportation route for trade (barges, small ships)
  • Natural barrier against potential invaders

Environmental Factors

• Fertile volcanic soil in surrounding region supported agriculture
  • Enabled cultivation of crops (wheat, olives, grapes)
  • Supported population growth and food security
• Mediterranean climate conducive to year-round activity
  • Mild winters and hot summers
  • Allowed for extended growing seasons and outdoor construction
• Proximity to natural resources boosted economic development
  • Salt beds along coast provided valuable trade commodity
  • Clay deposits enabled production of pottery and building materials

Strategic Location

• Central position on Italian peninsula advantageous for expansion
  • Facilitated control over trade routes (Via Appia, Via Flaminia)
  • Allowed for gradual conquest of neighboring territories
• Natural harbors along nearby coast facilitated maritime activities
  • Enabled trade with other Mediterranean cultures (Greeks, Phoenicians)
  • Supported development of Roman naval power

Etruscan Influence on Rome

Architectural and Artistic Contributions

• Etruscan influence evident in Roman architecture
  • Introduced arch and vault construction techniques
  • Temple designs adapted (Temple of Jupiter Optimus Maximus)
• Roman alphabet adapted from Etruscan script
  • Etruscan alphabet derived from Greek letters
  • Formed basis for Latin writing system
• Etruscan art influenced early Roman artistic developments
  • Portraiture styles (veristic portraiture)
  • Funerary practices (tomb paintings, sarcophagi designs)

Cultural and Religious Practices

• Etruscan religious practices incorporated into Roman traditions
  • Augury, interpretation of omens through bird observation
  • Haruspicy, divination through examination of animal entrails
• Gladiatorial games rooted in Etruscan funeral rites
  • Originally part of Etruscan mourning ceremonies
  • Evolved into popular Roman entertainment spectacles
• Roman dress influenced by Etruscan styles
  • Toga likely originated from Etruscan garments
  • Adoption of certain jewelry and personal adornment practices

Political and Social Structures

• Etruscan system of government influenced early Roman structures
  • Elected officials concept adopted by Romans
  • Senate as advisory body modeled on Etruscan practices
• Social stratification in Etruscan society mirrored in early Rome
  • Distinction between aristocratic and common classes
  • Patronage system similarities

Early Roman Society and Politics

Social Hierarchy and Family Structure

• Early Roman social structure divided into distinct classes
  • Patricians, aristocratic elites with political privileges
  • Plebeians, common citizens with limited initial rights
• Gens, or clan system, formed basis of Roman social organization
  • Extended family groups sharing common ancestor
  • Played role in political alliances and social status
• Paterfamilias held supreme authority within Roman family unit
  • Controlled family property and legal matters
  • Had power of life and death over family members (patria potestas)

Political Institutions and Governance

• Roman Senate played crucial role in governance
  • Initially advisory body to the king
  • Evolved into powerful political institution in Republican era
• Comitia Curiata, early assembly of Roman citizens
  • Ratified certain legal and political decisions
  • Gradually replaced by other assemblies (Comitia Centuriata)
• Concept of clientela shaped social and political relationships
  • System of patronage between wealthy patrons and dependents
  • Influenced voting patterns and political alliances

Legal Foundations

• Early Roman law established fundamental principles
  • Twelve Tables codified basic legal rights for citizens
  • Written laws posted publicly in Forum
• Development of ius civile, civil law for Roman citizens
  • Distinct from ius gentium, law governing foreigners
• Emergence of legal procedures and courts
  • Establishment of praetors as magistrates overseeing legal matters
  • Development of formulary system for civil lawsuits