4.2 Romulus and Remus: The Founding of Rome

The myth of Romulus and Remus is a foundational tale that explains Rome's origins. It tells of twin brothers, sons of Mars, who were rescued by a she-wolf and went on to found Rome. The story is packed with symbolism and cultural significance.

This founding myth played a crucial role in shaping Roman identity and values. While archaeological evidence points to a gradual development of Rome, the story provided a powerful narrative that legitimized Roman power and established key cultural and political ideals.

The Myth of Romulus and Remus

Romulus and Remus story

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• Origins of the twins born to Rhea Silvia, a Vestal Virgin and fathered by Mars, god of war
• Abandonment and survival ordered killed by great-uncle Amulius rescued by she-wolf who nursed them found and raised by shepherd Faustulus and wife
• Adulthood and discovery of true identity became leaders of shepherd group learned of royal lineage
• Overthrow of Amulius restored grandfather Numitor to throne of Alba Longa
• Founding of Rome decided to build new city disagreed on location held augury contest to determine founder
• Romulus becomes first king kills Remus in dispute over city walls names city Rome after himself establishes first Roman institutions and laws

Symbolism in founding myth

• She-wolf (Lupa) symbolizes Rome's strength and ferocity represents wild nature tamed by civilization connects to Mars (wolves sacred to god)
• Fratricide symbolizes violence in Rome's founding represents idea that greatness comes at cost foreshadows future conflicts and civil wars
• Twins represent duality and balance in Roman culture reflect concept of "gemini" in Roman religion
• Divine parentage links Rome to divine origins establishes Rome's destiny for military greatness
• Shepherd upbringing symbolizes Rome's humble beginnings represents virtues of simplicity and hard work

Historical and Cultural Significance

Evidence for Rome's founding

• Traditional founding date 753 BCE established by Roman historian Varro
• Archaeological evidence earliest settlements on Palatine Hill date to 10th century BCE urbanization and social complexity by 8th century BCE
• Historical context Iron Age period in central Italy influenced by Etruscan civilization
• Material culture pottery and architectural remains indicate gradual development evidence of trade with Greek colonies
• Literary sources later Roman historians (Livy, Dionysius of Halicarnassus) Greek sources mentioning early Rome

Myth's impact on Roman identity

• Legitimization of Roman power divine origins justify Rome's right to rule Mars as father supports military ambitions
• Foundation for Roman values emphasizes virtues (strength, determination, piety) justifies importance of augury and religious practices
• Political symbolism Romulus as first king establishes leadership model fratricide warns against internal conflict
• Cultural identity provides shared origin story distinguishes Rome from other Italian and Greek cities
• Propaganda tool used by leaders to connect to mythical past (Augustus emphasized connections to Romulus)
• Artistic and literary inspiration frequent subject in Roman art and literature reinforced cultural values through visual and narrative representations