The Founding of Rome

Fact vs. Myth

Aeneas

Ancient Romans liked to trace their roots to a famous Trojan prince, Aeneas.

The myth teaches that Aeneas was directed by the gods to travel west after Troy fell.

Aeneas is said to have lead a few remaining Trojans to safety this way.

The Latins

When Aeneas and his followers arrived in modern-day Italy they encountered a group called the Latins.

The two groups intermarried and lived in harmony.

Rhea Silvia

Around 800 BC, a Latin princess, Rhea Silvia, is said to have given birth to twins fathered by the god Mars.

This princess had taken a vow as a priestess and was forbidden to marry or have children.

As punishment for breaking her vow, the twins were taken from her and left to die.

The Twins

The newborn twins, Romulus and Remus, were thrown into the Tiber River.

Luckily, the babies were rescued by a she-wolf. The she-wolf raised them as her own.

One form of the myth also says a woodpecker helped to feed the twins.

Rescue by Shepherd

The she-wolf was later killed by a shepherd.

Fortunately, the shepherd found the babies and took them home to his wife.

Romulus and Remus

As adults, Romulus and Remus decided to build a city on the Tiber River.

They fought over who should rule the city. After a lot of arguing, they decided to let the gods choose between them.

They each stood atop a hill waiting for a sign. The gods sent 12 vultures over Palatine where Romulus stood.

Romulus is King

Romulus claimed he had been chosen king. Remus wasn’t happy with this. The brothers

fought and Romulus killed Remus. Romulus became king of the new city which

he named Rome (after himself).

The Historical Findings

Archeologists know that people with iron weapons began invading the Mediterranean lands around 1200 BC.

One group, called the Latins, did live on Palatine.

By 776 BC, Palatine was a farming village of about 1,000 people.

Etruscans

A people called the Etruscans settled near Palatine in about 800 BC.

By 600 BC, the Etruscans had conquered all of northern Italy (including the Latins).

The Etruscans were an advanced civilization. Their kings ruled Rome for more than 200 years.