The founding of Rome is shrouded in myth and legend, but many of these stories revolve around the mythical twin brothers Romulus and Remus. These two boys claimed to be the sons of Mars, were said to have been abandoned as infants on the banks of the Tiber River before a she-wolf rescued them and raised them as her own. Over time, they grew into brave young men who founded a city on the hills near where they had found Rome. This story has become one of the most recognizable ancient myths associated with Rome and still holds an important place in modern culture today. In this blog post, we’ll uncover some fascinating facts about Romulus and Remus and explore how this foundational mythology continues to shape
1. Romulus and Remus were twin brothers, the sons of Mars and Rhea Silvia, in Roman mythology
Romulus and Remus were two brothers full of adventure, according to Roman mythology. The twin brothers, hailing from the lineage of Mars and Rhea Silvia, have an epic story that has been taught and retold for thousands of years. Romulus and Remus are sometimes referred to as “The Founders” because they established what would become Rome – one of the most powerful cities in history. Despite their divine connections, Romulus and Remus had troubles with authority which led to their eventual downfall. Romulus ended up murdering his brother which ultimately made him the first king of Rome. It’s a cautionary tale that has captivated people across cultures for millennia; this is Romulus and Remus’ legacy.
2. The twins were raised by a she-wolf when their mother abandoned them at birth
Romulus and Remus, the legendary twins of Ancient Rome, had a unique start to life; when their own mother abandoned them at birth, they were taken care of by none other than a she-wolf. It may seem like the stuff of myths, but it is believed that their adoptive parent was a female wolf found near a cave on the banks of The Tiber River. While Romulus would later go on to become one of Rome’s most famous founding fathers, his twin brother Remus, unfortunately, met a more tragic end at his own brother’s hands. But enchanting origin aside, Romulus and Remus remain some of history’s most incredible stories.
3. The twins grew up together in the wilderness until they decided to build a city on the banks of the River Tiber
Romulus and Remus, are twin brothers with a fascinating story. This dynamic duo grew up together in the wild until one fateful day in 753 B.C. when Romulus suggested they build a city on the banks of the River Tiber. Romulus declared it “Rome” and hastened construction on the city walls. What followed is what we now know as Roman civilization: Gladiator games, chariots filled with kings, Mediterranean feasts shared among gods, and much more. Romulus and Remus laid down the foundation for all of this greatness, but their story doesn’t end there…
4. Romulus and Remus argued over who should rule the new city, leading to Remus being killed by Romulus
Romulus and Remus were twins twin brothers, both born of the god Mars and a mortal woman. Romulus and Remus had a strong bond between them so it seemed inconceivable that their rivalry would lead to the death of one by the hand of the other. Yet, when it came time to decide who should become the ruler of their new city, Romulus and Remus found themselves in opposition. Romulus wanted to rule and his brother refused, so in a moment of passion, Romulus killed his beloved brother Remus and named the city Rome in his honor. In this way Romulus’ destiny was sealed – he now had no rival for power and became Rome’s first king.
5. After his brother’s death, Romulus established Rome and named it after himself
Romulus and Remus, the legendary brothers at the heart of Roman history, are a captivating story. Romulus famously established Rome after his brother Remus perished. Romulus was not content to name the rising city after himself – he took it one step further and born Romulus out of the Latin Romin, meaning ‘citizen of Rome’. What’s more, Romulus cemented his legacy even further by styling himself as a religious figure, something that would be met with great admiration throughout antiquity. Today, Romulus’ legacy lives on in numerous iconic sculptures and works of art that remain immortalized among Italy’s most beloved cities.
6. As part of creating a new society, Romulus is credited with introducing many elements of Roman culture including religious festivals, laws, and customs
Romulus is credited with creating the foundations of Roman society, ushering in an era of immense cultural significance. As part of this, Romulus and Remus are remembered for introducing religious festivals and laws to the society that became the basis for Roman culture. These ceremonies were highlighted by animal sacrifices and communal feasting, along with processions and games. Romulus also decreed many civic regulations to ensure that all members of the group were held accountable for their actions, ultimately creating a sense of social responsibility amongst its citizens. Romulus also helped cultivate ancestral customs that would be integrated into every facet of life for centuries to come, from archeological finds to stories passed down by families through generations. The legacy Romulus left behind continues to shape how we understand the Roman culture to this day.
7. As a symbol of Rome’s foundation myth, an annual festival was held every year in honor of Romulus called the “Lupercalia”
Romulus and Remus are two of the most famous twins in classical mythology. Romulus was said to be the founder of Rome and each year, a festival called the “Lupercalia” was held to honor his memory. This festival was an important part of Rome’s foundation myth, involving various colorful rituals such as animal sacrifices and mysterious ceremonies. It is said that Romulus himself had instigated these rituals with the help of his brother, Remus. The Lupercalia was celebrated until it eventually fell out of favor during the 4th century when Christianity took root in Rome. Legend has it that Romulus could have gone on to become a great king who would have established an empire greater than any other seen before; however, his untimely death cut short this dream and henceforth Romulus remains only as a symbol of what might have been.
8. The original seven hills that Rome was founded upon were thought to have been built under the direction of Romulus
It is said that Romulus, the founder of Rome, and his twin brother Remus chose a spot on which to build their city with one condition: Romulus was to choose the area to build upon and Remus would determine the walls. Romulus chose the seven hills which he believed made up an ideal location for the city. As legend has it, Romulus then proceeded to define further directions for the building of this ancient city under his own guidance and work alongside Romulus’s twin brother Remus. These two brothers were thought to be responsible for Rome’s foundation to its expansion into an immensely powerful state over centuries. To this day these seven hills are referred to as a reminder of Romulus’s past contributions to building this great Roman Empire and leave us a sense of awe when considering what must have taken place in those legendary times.
9. According to legend his body was later taken up into heaven by gods or possibly aliens some Romans believed that he reached Mount Olympus directly from Earth
Romulus and Remus, two brothers, are the center of Romulus’ mythological legend. Romulus is credited as being the founder of Rome and the first king. Oddly enough, Romulus has a mysterious death that still intrigues people centuries later. According to myth, Romulus was mysteriously taken away by deities or aliens to Mount Olympus shortly after his mysterious vanishing. While some Roman citizens claimed that Romulus had climbed up to Mount Olympus right from Earth without being killed or harmed, it’s not clear whether this was true or the story was just an exaggerated version of Romulus’ journey to his divine home among gods. Even in death Romulus’ life is captivating and leaves a lot to be explored and speculated about.
10. A monument known as “The Wolf and Twins” was created in Rome as a tribute to Romulus and Remus
The story of Romulus and Remus is one of the most significant and well-known creation stories across the world. In Ancient Rome, Romulus and Remus were said to be followed by a she-wolf who nurtured them when they were abandoned as babies. To honor this legend, there is a grand monument in the center of the city known as “The Wolf and Twins”. It is 5.5 meters high and built out of marble depicting Romulus and Remus being suckled by the she-wolf goddess Lupa Capitolina that saved their lives centuries ago. This monument has become a powerful symbol for Rome over the years – it serves as a reminder of the strong bonds between Roman gods, humans, animals, and their city that ultimately created their identity as Romans.
In conclusion, Romulus is an iconic figure in Roman history and mythology whose legacy continues to stand the test of time. His story of being abandoned as a baby and then founding Rome with his brother Remus has become a symbol of strength and resilience that resonates with people across all cultures. The Wolf and Twins monument, built in Rome to commemorate this legend, serves as a reminder that despite life’s difficulties, we are capable of achieving great things if we rely on each other’s strength. Through remembering Romulus’ tale, we can draw hope and courage from it to reach our own goals no matter how difficult they may seem.