Romulus

Legendary founder and first king of Rome

Romulus is a legendary figure in Roman mythology and is credited as the founder and first king of Rome. According to tradition, he and his twin brother Remus were the sons of Rhea Silvia and Mars, the god of war. The story of Romulus and Remus is a foundational myth for the city of Rome and has been a subject of art, literature, and scholarly study for centuries.

Early Life

Romulus and Remus were born in Alba Longa, an ancient city in the Latium region of central Italy. Their mother, Rhea Silvia, was a vestal virgin and daughter of Numitor, the rightful king of Alba Longa. According to legend, their uncle Amulius usurped the throne and ordered the twins to be abandoned in the Tiber River to prevent them from reclaiming their grandfather's throne.

Founding of Rome

The twins were saved by a series of miraculous events. They were first nurtured by a she-wolf, Lupa, and later found and raised by a shepherd named Faustulus. As adults, Romulus and Remus decided to establish a city. They chose the site where they had been saved, but a dispute arose over which hill to build on. Romulus preferred the Palatine Hill, while Remus favored the Aventine Hill.

According to the myth, Romulus killed Remus in the ensuing conflict and became the sole founder of the new city, which he named Rome after himself. The date of Rome's founding is traditionally set at April 21, 753 BC.

Reign as King

Romulus established many of Rome's early institutions, including its Senate and military. He is also credited with creating the Roman calendar and various religious and social customs. His reign was marked by a series of wars with neighboring tribes, which helped to expand the territory and influence of the nascent city-state.

Death and Legacy

The circumstances of Romulus's death are shrouded in mystery and myth. One version of the story suggests that he was taken up to the heavens by his father, Mars, and became the god Quirinus. Another version claims that he was killed by the Senate due to his increasingly autocratic rule.

Romulus's legacy as the founder of Rome has endured through the ages. He is a central figure in Roman culture and history, symbolizing the city's origins and its martial and civic virtues.

See Also

• Roman Kingdom
• Roman mythology
• List of kings of Rome
• Roman Republic
• Roman Empire

References

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