Romulus and Remus | History, Myth, Definition, Statue, & Facts

The mythical twin brothers Romulus and Remus are credited with establishing the city of Rome. This is their tale.

A twin is born

Twin boys named Romulus and Remus were born to Rhea Silvia, a princess. Their father was Mars, the ferocious Roman god of battle. Where the boys lived, the king was terrified that Romulus and Remus might one day overthrow him and seize his throne. He then had the boys dumped on the Tiber River in a basket. He believed they will pass away soon.

Raised by a Wolf

A she-wolf located the guys. They were taken care of and shielded from other wild creatures by the wolf. They were aided to get food by a helpful woodpecker. The twins were eventually discovered by some herders. The boys were taken in by a shepherd, who nurtured them as his own children.

Being a child

The lads became into natural leaders as they grew older. Remus was transported to the king after being captured one day. He discovered who he really was. To save his sibling, Romulus collected some shepherds. The king was ultimately assassinated. The city promised to crown the boys as joint kings after learning who they were. They might be in charge of their country. They declined the crowns, though, as they preferred to create their own city. The twins departed and began their search for the ideal location for their city.

Establishing a New City

Eventually, the twins traveled to the region that is now home to Rome. Both of them were attracted to the general location, but they had different ideas for where to put the city. Remus favored Aventine Hill, whereas Romulus intended the city to be located atop Palatine Hill. They decided to wait for a divine indication known as an augury to decide which hill to use. Six vultures were the first sign that Remus noticed, but Romulus counted twelve. Each stated they had prevailed.

Remus is Killed

Romulus immediately began erecting a wall to surround Palantine Hill. Remus, however, was envious and started making fun of Romulus’ wall. Remus once leaped over the wall to demonstrate how simple it was to cross. In a fit of rage, Romulus killed Remus.

The Founding of Rome

Even after Remus passed away, Romulus kept building his metropolis. On April 21, 753 BC, he made himself king and formally built the city, naming it Rome in his honor. He then started organizing the city from there. He organized his army into 3,300-man legions. He referred to the senior citizens of Rome as the Senate and his top 100 noblemen as the Patricians. The city expanded and thrived. Rome would remain one of the world’s most influential cities for more than a millennium.

Facts worth knowing about Romulus and Remus

The sons were decedents of Aeneas, a legendary warrior and Trojan prince who appeared in Virgil’s epic work The Aeneid.

In a different telling of the tale, the hero Hercules is the boys’ father.

Aventine Hill, Caelian Hill, Capitoline Hill, Esquiline Hill, Palatine Hill, Quirinal Hill, and Viminal Hill are the seven hills that encircle the city of Rome.

Romulus abruptly vanished in a whirlwind and perished.

Once upon a time, according to the poet Ovid, Romulus was transformed into a god named Quirinus and moved in with his father Mars on Mount Olympus.