The Legend of Romulus and Remus - The Founding of the City of Rome

The Ten Minute Time Machine

The story of Romulus and Remus is a foundational myth of Ancient Rome, blending legend and history. It begins in Alba Longa, where King Numitor is overthrown by his brother Amulius, who forces Numitor’s daughter, Rhea Silvia, to become a Vestal Virgin to prevent her from bearing heirs. However, Mars, the god of war, intervenes, and Rhea gives birth to twin sons, Romulus and Remus.

Amulius, fearing the twins’ potential threat to his throne, orders them to be abandoned in the Tiber River. Miraculously, the river carries them safely to the shore, where they are discovered by a she-wolf (Lupa) who nurses them. A shepherd named Faustulus and his wife, Acca Larentia, eventually find and raise the boys as their own. Romulus and Remus grow up to be strong leaders among the local shepherds, unaware of their royal heritage.

As young men, Romulus and Remus become known for their bravery, but Remus is eventually captured and brought before Amulius. Romulus rescues his brother, and during the battle, their true identity is revealed. With the help of their grandfather Numitor, they overthrow Amulius, restoring Numitor to the throne of Alba Longa.

Determined to establish their own city, the twins choose the site of the seven hills along the Tiber River, near where they had been rescued. However, they disagree on which hill to build their city: Romulus prefers the Palatine Hill, while Remus favors the Aventine Hill. To resolve this, they seek the gods' guidance through augury, observing the flight of birds. Romulus claims victory, having seen twelve vultures, while Remus had seen six. The dispute escalates into violence, and Romulus kills Remus, either in a fit of rage or to defend his city’s boundaries. This tragic event leads Romulus to found the city of Rome, named after himself, on April 21, 753 BCE.

Romulus then establishes the city’s initial defenses and structures, including the Senate. To ensure Rome’s growth, he invites exiles and fugitives as new citizens. However, the lack of women poses a challenge for Rome’s future. Romulus responds by staging the Rape of the Sabine Women, inviting the Sabines to a festival and seizing their women. This act results in war with the Sabines, but the women eventually intervene, pleading for peace. The Romans and Sabines unite, strengthening the city.

Romulus rules for many years, expanding Rome’s territory through wars and alliances. His rule ends mysteriously; according to legend, he vanishes during a storm and is later worshipped as the god Quirinus.

The story of Romulus and Remus symbolizes Rome’s origins in struggle, divine favor, and unity born from conflict. Romulus’s legacy is that of a founder who establishes order, leading to the rise of one of the greatest empires in history.