Romulus and Remus: Rome's Founding Myth

The story of Romulus and Remus, the twin brothers abandoned as infants and raised by a she-wolf, is fundamental to Roman identity. Though shrouded in myth, the legend offers a fascinating glimpse into how the Romans perceived themselves, their origins, and their destiny. This article delves into the famous tale, exploring its purpose and its potential connection to historical reality.

From Troy to the Tiber: A Divine Lineage

The Roman foundation myth links the city directly to the legendary city of Troy. Aeneas, a Trojan prince and son of the goddess Venus (Aphrodite in Greek mythology), escaped the fallen city carrying his father and leading a band of survivors. After years of wandering, they arrived in Italy, where Aeneas married Lavinia, daughter of King Latinus. This union, divinely ordained yet contested, led to the founding of Lavinium, the first settlement in the lineage leading to Rome. Generations later, Aeneas’s descendant, Numitor, ruled Alba Longa, a city located near the future site of Rome.

The Twins' Perilous Beginning

Numitor’s reign was usurped by his brother, Amulius, who, fearing a prophecy foretelling his overthrow by Numitor’s grandsons, forced Numitor’s daughter, Rhea Silvia, to become a Vestal Virgin, sworn to chastity. However, the god Mars intervened, fathering twin boys with Rhea Silvia: Romulus and Remus.

Amulius, threatened by their existence, ordered the infants to be drowned in the Tiber River. The servants tasked with this grim duty, however, abandoned the babies on the riverbank, where they were miraculously saved and suckled by a she-wolf. A shepherd, Faustulus, discovered the twins and raised them as his own.

Destiny's Call: Founding a City

Romulus and Remus grew into strong and charismatic leaders. Their true identities were eventually revealed, and they played a crucial role in restoring Numitor to the throne of Alba Longa. The twins then decided to establish their own city near the spot where they were found as infants. A dispute arose between them regarding the exact location and, seeking divine guidance, they consulted auguries.

Romulus, claiming to have seen a greater number of auspicious birds, declared the Palatine Hill the chosen site. Remus, disputing the interpretation, mocked his brother's efforts and leaped over the newly constructed wall, an act that enraged Romulus or one of his supporters, leading to Remus’s death.

The Rise of Rome and the Deification of Romulus

Overcome with grief yet resolute, Romulus founded the city, naming it Roma after himself. He became its first king, establishing its political and social structures, including the Senate and the division of citizens into three tribes.

He also secured wives for his predominantly male population through the controversial abduction of Sabine women, an act that ultimately led to the integration of the Sabine tribe into Roman society. After Romulus’s death, he was deified, becoming the god Quirinus, cementing his place in Roman religion and mythology.

Fact, Fiction, and the Roman Identity

The story of Romulus and Remus, though rich in symbolism, is unlikely to be a purely factual account. Archaeological evidence suggests Rome’s emergence as a settlement in the early 7th century BCE, slightly later than the traditionally assigned date of 753 BCE. Furthermore, Alba Longa, depicted as a powerful kingdom in the legend, was likely a collection of smaller villages.

The narrative likely reflects a fusion of various tribal origins, possibly representing the union of Latins and Sabines. The conflict between Romulus and Remus could symbolize the struggles and compromises inherent in this unification process. The involvement of the Etruscans, who exerted significant influence over Rome’s development from the late 7th century BCE, is also notable. Their contributions to urban planning, infrastructure, and religious practices are evident in the archaeological record and later historical accounts.

The Legacy of the Myth

Despite its historical inaccuracies, the legend of Romulus and Remus served a vital purpose: it shaped Roman identity. The twins' divine lineage, their miraculous survival, and the divinely sanctioned founding of Rome fostered a belief in the city's destined greatness and its special relationship with the gods. This sense of divine favor justified Roman expansionism and military dominance. The she-wolf suckling the twins became a potent symbol of Rome’s strength and resilience.

While Romulus was elevated to divine status, Remus remained largely in the shadows. He served primarily as a foil to his brother, highlighting Romulus's ultimate triumph and the sometimes brutal realities of establishing power. The story, in all its complexities, continues to resonate, offering a powerful lens through which to examine the enduring legacy of Rome, its myths, and its impact on Western civilization.