Romulus and Remus are two of the most famous names in Roman history, as they are said to be the true founders of Rome. In this post, we will take a closer look at the legend and history behind these twin brothers.
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The legend of Romulus and Remus
The legend and story of Romulus and Remus starts with their mother, Rhea Silvia. She is the daughter of Numitor – the king of the city of Alba Longa in central Italy. Numitor has a brother, Amulius, who, after lifelong jealousy of his brother’s rule, forcibly deposes Numitor.
Amulius then forces Rhea to become a Vestal Virgin (and therefore have to be chaste), to prevent her from giving birth to rightful heirs to the throne who can put a stick in his wheels. Rhea gives birth to two boys, Romulus and Remus. And who is the father? None other than one of the Roman Empire’s most famous gods.
What was the name of the god who was the father of Romulus and Remus and what kind of god was he?
The Roman god who fathered Romulus and Remus was called Mars. He was the god of war, and his symbols were the spear and the shield. He is said to have been born from the union of Jupiter, the king of the gods, and Juno, the goddess of marriage.
As the god of war, Mars was associated with bloodshed and violence. However, he was also seen as a protector of agriculture and a guardian of peace. In many ways, he embodied the Roman ideal of a strong and courageous leader. It is therefore no wonder that he was revered as the father of Romulus and Remus, two of the most important figures in Roman history.
The uncle of Romulus and Remus tries to kill them
At the birth of the twins, their uncle Amulius orders them to be drowned in the river Tiber, but the trough they are placed in floats down safely until it stops on the banks of future Rome. The twins are found here by a she-wolf, who both breastfeeds and raises them until they are found by the shepherd Faustulus. Faustulus and his wife then look after the twins until they are old enough to take care of themselves.
Romulus and Remus eventually become the leaders of a band of adventurous youths before they kill Amulius, restore their grandfather Numitor to the throne, and found a city at the site where they had been rescued. The city does not yet have a name.
Remus and Romulus get into a violent argument
Romulus and Remus disagree about building a city wall; the first wants it, the second doesn’t. Romulus builds the city wall, and Remus mockingly jumps over it to show how poor protection it provides. In a fit of rage, Romulus kills his brother. Romulus consolidates his power and the city is named after him, taking the name of Rome. Romulus is therefore considered the true founder of Rome.
The Sabines
To increase the population of the city, Romulus offers asylum to refugees and exiles. The city, on the other hand, is short on women, so he arranges a high-level kidnapping, where he invites the neighboring tribe of Sabines to a festival and tells all single Roman men to abduct one woman each.
Despite initial revulsion and resistance, the Sabine women intermarry with the Romans, preventing their tribe from besieging and attacking Rome. Romulus then signs a treaty, whereby the Sabine king Titus Tatius becomes his co-ruler of the city. Titus dies a short time later, and Romulus becomes sole king again.
Romulus rules for a long time before he mysteriously disappears in a storm and dies. The Romans see this as a sign that he has been exalted to become a god, and subsequently worship him as the god Quirinus.
What role does Romulus play in the history of Rome?
As the founder of Rome, Romulus had a profound impact on the city’s history. According to legend, Romulus continued to build on the Palatine Hill after he killed his brother Remus. He is said to have modeled Rome after the city of Troy and filled it with slaves and outcasts.
Romulus also played an important role in the government of Rome. He established the Senate and introduced laws governing everything from property rights to marriage. As Rome’s first king, he set a precedent for the succession of rulers who would govern the city for centuries to come.
In many ways, Romulus can be seen as the father of Rome, and his impact on the city is still felt today, for example through the many statues of the she-wolf and the twins, or the dramatizations of the story of Romulus and Remus.
Who founded Rome?
But was it really Romulus and Remus who founded Rome? The answer is, simply put, that it cannot be confirmed with certainty. Rome’s origin myth most likely originated in the fourth century BC, and it cannot be proven that neither Romulus nor Remus existed. The city name “Rome” was also probably not confirmed until long after the supposed foundation in 753 BC.
Even the Capitoline She-Wolf, one of the most famous statues depicting the mother wolf who is supposed to have raised the twins Romulus and Remus, is believed to have been made in the early Republic, around the late 6th or early 5th century BC. The nursing twins were added in the 16th century.
Although the legend of Romulus and Remus may not be true, it still tells us a lot about the Romans’ attempt to create an origin myth that exalted Rome as the chosen city to lead the world order forward. Romulus and Remus may not be real, but they were to the Romans.
Sources
- “Romulus and Remus.” Encyclopedia Britannica. Visited 26.11.2021.
- For a dramatization of the legend of Romulus and Remus, see the series Romulus.
Fictional Diary Entry from Romulus
Below is an attempt at writing a fictional diary entry from Romulus, with the aim of making his character and history come to life. Enjoy!
Date: April 21, 753 BCE
Dear Diary,
Today was a momentous day for our people, the day we laid the foundation of our city, Rome. It feels surreal, like a dream that has taken root in the fertile soil of destiny. I, Romulus, the son of Mars, stand at the helm of this grand endeavor, and with each passing day, I feel the weight of responsibility grow upon my shoulders.
This morning, as the first rays of the sun pierced through the misty Tiber, I gathered the men at the future site of our city. Their faces were a mix of anticipation and hope, much like my own. As the birds sang in the distance, I raised the plow to mark the outline of our sacred city. The plow bit deep into the earth, and I could feel the spirits of our ancestors watching over us, blessing our efforts.
We sacrificed a white bull to Jupiter, seeking his favor and protection for our new home. The crackling of the flames, the scent of burnt offerings, and the prayers of our people filled the air. It was a moment of unity, of shared purpose, as if the gods themselves were guiding our hands.
The day was not without its challenges, though. My twin brother, Remus, always the impulsive one, engaged in a playful dispute over the height of the city’s walls. Tempers flared, and our brotherly bond was strained. I hope that in time, our differences will serve to strengthen our city rather than divide us.
As the sun dipped below the horizon, we feasted and celebrated, our laughter and songs echoing through the valley. The future of Rome feels uncertain, but in this moment, we bask in the promise of what is to come. I can’t help but wonder what the future holds for our beloved city and its people.
I find solace in knowing that we’ve embarked on a great journey together, forging our destiny from the rugged wilderness that surrounds us. Tomorrow, we shall continue to build, laying the stones that will shape our future. Rome, my dream, my legacy, is now more than just an idea—it is taking root in the very earth beneath our feet.
With hope and determination,
Romulus
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