The legend of Romulus and Remus is foundational to the mythology of Rome, detailing the supposed origins of the city and its first ruler. Here are key points about this legendary tale:
Romulus and Remus were said to be the twin sons of Mars, the Roman god of war, and Rhea Silvia, a vestal virgin and daughter of Numitor, the deposed king of Alba Longa. Their birth was controversial as Rhea Silvia was sworn to chastity, and their existence was seen as a threat by Amulius, Numitor's brother and usurper of the throne.
Upon their birth, fearing their potential claim to the throne, Amulius ordered the twins to be abandoned. They were placed in a basket and set adrift on the Tiber River. The basket eventually washed ashore, where a she-wolf, Lupa, discovered and suckled them, and a woodpecker, another creature sacred to Mars, brought them food. They were later found by the shepherd Faustulus, who raised them along with his wife, Acca Larentia.
As they grew, Romulus and Remus became known for their strength and bravery. Upon learning of their true origins, they overthrew Amulius, restoring Numitor to the throne. They then decided to found their own city. A dispute arose over the location:
This disagreement led to conflict. In one version of the myth, during a heated argument, Romulus killed Remus after he leaped over the newly built walls of the city as a jest or insult. Thus, Romulus became the sole founder of Rome, named after himself.
Romulus is credited with:
His reign was marked by significant growth and the abduction of the Sabine Women to increase the population of Rome, leading to a subsequent peace treaty with the Sabines.
According to legend, Romulus mysteriously disappeared during a thunderstorm or was taken up to the heavens by his divine father, Mars. He was subsequently deified as Quirinus, a god of the Roman state and its citizens.
The story of Romulus and Remus has been influential: