Romulus and Remus

Roman Mythology starts with two twin brothers named Romulus and Remus who bring

about the story of Rome, when it was founded and how. The two revolve around tales and

legends, making them a popular debate between historians. Are the brothers truly apart of Roman

history or are they just a myth? The earliest account is from the late 3rd century BC, but the tale

starts around 750 BC.

The two boys were born in an ancient city near the site that would one day become

Rome. The city was known as Alba Longa and their mother, Rhea Silvia, was the daughter of the

former king, Numitor. The boys were also direct descendants of Aeneas, who supposedly

founded Italy. Numitor was overthrown by his brother, Amulius, who forced Rhea to become a

Vestal Virgin, someone who vows chastity to stop her from giving birth to potential threats to his

throne. However, Rhea bore the twins Romulus and Remus, supposedly fathered by the war god,

Mars. The newest king ordered the twins to be sought out and killed, therefore they were

abandoned on the Tiber River bank and left to die. Legend says the boys were saved by the god,

Tiberinus, also known as the “Father of the River.” The story starts up again when they were

adopted by a shepherd named Faustulus and they grew up unaware of their true identities. Years

later, as young adults, the men become involved in a dispute dealing with the king and his

brother. Numitor, the boys’ grandfather, became suspicious of the twos true identities relating to

the throne. Eventually Romulus and Remus learned of their past and joined forces with their

grandfather to restore him to the throne. Amulius was killed and Numitor was the new leader of

Alba Longa yet again. After the long conflict the twins finally set out to build a city of their own.

The boys set out to find the land where they could build their empire. Eventually they

reached the area of the seven hills and disagreed on which hill to start their legacy on. (1-2)
Romulus preferred the Palatine Hill while Remus wanted the Aventine Hill. They finally agreed

on using the gods to help them decide whose hill would be used to start their empire. The twins

thought the gods sent them birds as a way of deciding. Romulus saw 12 while Remus only saw 6.

After the debate, legend says that Remus was eventually slaughtered, by either his own brother

of one of Romulus’s supporters. The lasting twin then moved on and founded the city that

became Rome. Founding its government, culture, and religious traditions. He reigned for many

years as the first ever king of Rome.

The story mainly contains a mixture of Greek and Roman elements. The Greeks created

mythical heroes to explain the origin of places as a part of their daily customs and education.

Children in Roman schools were taught the legend of the twins so it became set in stone as true.

The real story of Rome is very different from the tale. The actual growth is less exotic and

interesting.

The city of Rome started with several settlements that existed around the seven hills that

were near the River Tiber. The legend of the boys may be false but Romulus and Remus were

the start to these real communities. The settlements were placed there for obvious reasons of

needing the water supply. Although the people thought it was a smart move, the area suffered

because of the nearness to the river. Each settlement was separated from the other by marshland

making them vulnerable to attacks. To fix their problems the communities would join making

each stronger than before. The marshlands would be drained, making it easier for the posts to

unite. Draining was something that took years to do. The legend of Romulus and Remus gives

the impression that Rome was created very quickly however, the truth was very different.

The first people who settled In Rome were a part of a tribe called Latins. These

individuals were from the Plains of Latium. The Latins were extremely successful and (1-3)
rich from their deal of farming and trading. The people of Rome made it a very rich city which

created jealously and conflict among surrounding areas. Because of this Romulus invested in

Rome’s first army, protecting the city and expanding its power.

Romulus named his city Roma after himself. He instilled a government system and

started to designate members to try and keep peace among people within the walls. Rome had a

very small ratio of males to females throughout the city. Most of the initial population consisted

of fugitives, exiles, runaway slaves, and criminals. To try and make a change, Roma invited

neighboring communities to a festival known as the festival of Cronus at the Circus Maximus.

The Roman men captured the woman attending the festival and forced them into Roman life. In

response to this abduction of women, the Sabine and Latin men went to war against Rome.

Romulus came out as the winner of this war and the victory was considered Rome's first ever

triumph. Over the next 20 years the land expanded through war. After Numitor passed, Romulus

took control of Alba Longa and merged the two powerful cities into one.

The death of Romulus is also full of mystery and confusion. He disappeared in 717 BCE

as reported by a Greek biographer at the age of 53 and most believe that he died at the age of 55.

His death brought about many more myths and stories. The first is that Romulus had ascended

into the heavens to become a god. Another tale suspects that his death was plotted by the Senate

at the time to overthrow Romulus.

Romulus and Remus are still to this day, a debate on whether they were real people or

simply just a myth. Most people believe they are a good combination of both. The adventures

and stories of the twins are considered too farfetched for a real account of the beginning of

Rome. Scholars indicate that the boys are based on partial historical accuracy, like any other

Roman myths which are based on aspects of both non- fiction and fiction. Romulus and (1-2)
Remus are normally portrayed together in art. The most famous image of the two is a 5th

century B.C bronze wolf called the Capitoline She-Wolf. This statue contains two small figures

of the boys as infants, being suckled by the she-wolf. The boy’s mystical lives inspired many

artists of the time. The story of Romulus and Remus may always be a question if it is true, it will

forever be treated with respect and discussed as a part of Roman history, myth or not.

(1)
 Citations

https://www.ancient.eu/Romulus_and_Remus/ (1)

https://www.britannica.com/biography/Romulus-and-Remus (2)

http://www.historylearningsite.co.uk/ancient-rome/romulus-and-remus/ (3)