1.3 Foundation myths of Rome
2 min read•august 6, 2024
Rome's foundation myths blend history and legend, creating a rich tapestry of stories. The tale of , raised by a , explains the city's origins and its seven hills. This myth gives Rome a and a dramatic founding story.
Another key myth links Rome to ancient Troy through , a Trojan hero. This connection to Troy gave Romans a sense of and legitimacy. These stories shaped Roman identity and influenced their view of their place in the world.
The Legend of Romulus and Remus
The Twin Brothers and Their Origins
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- Romulus and Remus were twin brothers born to , a Vestal Virgin, and , the god of war
- As infants, they were abandoned in a basket on the due to a prophecy that they would overthrow their great-uncle Amulius, the king of Alba Longa
- The basket washed ashore and the twins were discovered by a she-wolf known as
- Lupa Capitolina suckled the infants and kept them alive until a shepherd named found and raised them
The Founding of Rome
- As adults, Romulus and Remus decided to found a new city on the site where they were rescued
- They chose the , one of the seven hills of Rome (Palatine, Aventine, Caelian, Esquiline, Viminal, Quirinal, and Capitoline)
- The brothers argued over who would rule the city and Romulus killed Remus, becoming the sole founder and first king of Rome
- The traditional founding date of Rome is , celebrated as the festival of
Aeneas and the Trojan Connection
The Trojan Hero Aeneas
- Aeneas was a Trojan hero and the legendary ancestor of Romulus and Remus
- He was the son of and the goddess (Aphrodite in Greek mythology)
- After the fall of Troy to the Greeks, Aeneas led a group of Trojan survivors on a journey to find a new homeland
- According to Virgil's epic poem, the , Aeneas and his followers eventually settled in , the region of central Italy where Rome would later be founded
The Trojan Legacy in Roman Mythology
- The Romans believed they were descended from the Trojans through Aeneas, creating a between their civilization and the ancient city of Troy
- This connection was used to assert Rome's cultural and political legitimacy as a successor to the great civilizations of the past
- The , priestesses of the who maintained the sacred fire of Rome, were said to have been established by Aeneas
- The Vestal Virgins played a crucial role in Roman religion and were considered essential to the well-being and prosperity of the city
Key Terms to Review (21)
Aeneas: Aeneas is a legendary Trojan hero, the son of the prince Anchises and the goddess Venus, who plays a central role in Roman foundation myths. He is best known for his journey from Troy to Italy, where he becomes an ancestor of the Romans, symbolizing their divine destiny and connection to the past. Aeneas's story embodies themes of duty, fate, and the quest for a homeland, reflecting the values and beliefs of ancient Roman culture.
Aeneid: The Aeneid is an epic poem written by the Roman poet Virgil between 29 and 19 BCE, which tells the story of Aeneas, a Trojan hero and the mythical founder of Rome. It intertwines themes of duty, fate, and the struggles of establishing a new homeland, serving as a national epic that connects Rome's origins to its imperial destiny while reflecting the cultural and political landscape of its time.
Anchises: Anchises is a significant figure in Roman mythology, known as the father of Aeneas, the Trojan hero who plays a central role in the foundation myths of Rome. He is often depicted as a symbol of ancestral heritage and divine favor, linking the Trojans to the gods and establishing their importance in the narrative of Rome's origins. Anchises' relationship with Aeneas highlights themes of duty, piety, and the quest for a destined land.
April 21, 753 BCE: April 21, 753 BCE, is traditionally recognized as the date of the founding of Rome. This date is significant in the foundation myths of Rome, particularly the story of Romulus and Remus, where Romulus becomes the first king of Rome after a series of dramatic events. The establishment of the city marks the beginning of Roman civilization and the city's growth into a powerful empire.
Civilization vs. barbarism: Civilization vs. barbarism is a concept that contrasts the characteristics of advanced, organized societies with those perceived as primitive or uncivilized. This distinction often reflects social, cultural, and political differences, influencing the way societies view themselves and others. In the context of Rome's foundation myths, this theme emerges prominently as the Romans defined their identity in opposition to neighboring tribes, portraying themselves as civilized and superior while depicting those tribes as barbaric.
Cultural Heritage: Cultural heritage refers to the legacy of physical artifacts and intangible attributes of a group or society, which are inherited from past generations. It encompasses traditions, languages, customs, and significant historical events that shape a community's identity. In relation to foundation myths, cultural heritage helps preserve narratives that explain the origins and values of a civilization, influencing how people connect with their history and identity.
Divine Connection: Divine connection refers to the belief in a direct relationship or link between the gods and key figures or events in Roman mythology and history. This concept is crucial in understanding the foundation myths of Rome, where gods play significant roles in the lives of legendary heroes and in the establishment of the city itself, often signifying divine favor and legitimacy.
Faustulus: Faustulus is a key figure in the foundation myths of Rome, known as the shepherd who discovered the abandoned twins Romulus and Remus. He plays an essential role in the legendary narrative of Rome's origins, illustrating themes of rescue and nurturing in the context of the city's founding. Faustulus represents the humble beginnings from which Rome would grow into a powerful civilization.
Goddess Vesta: Goddess Vesta was the Roman deity of the hearth, home, and family, symbolizing domesticity and the sacred fire that was vital to Roman life. She is closely connected to the foundation myths of Rome, where her influence can be seen in the importance of fire and the hearth as central elements in both individual households and the larger community.
Latium: Latium is a region in ancient Italy that played a crucial role in the formation of Rome. It was home to several ancient tribes and cities, including the Latin people, who were foundational to Rome's early population and culture. The significance of Latium lies not only in its geographical location but also in its influence on Rome's development through language, governance, and societal structures.
Lupa capitolina: The Lupa Capitolina, or Capitoline Wolf, is a bronze statue that depicts a she-wolf nursing the legendary twin founders of Rome, Romulus and Remus. This iconic image symbolizes the founding myths of Rome, emphasizing themes of survival, nurturing, and the divine origins of the city's founders. The statue has become a powerful emblem of Roman identity and is closely tied to the narratives surrounding the origins of the Roman state.
Mars: Mars is the Roman god of war and also associated with agriculture and fertility. He is one of the most important deities in Roman mythology, embodying not just the martial spirit of the Romans but also playing a significant role in foundational myths that explain the origins of Rome and its people, including the legendary stories of Romulus and Remus. His influence extended beyond religion into the political realm, as he was often invoked during military endeavors and celebrated through various festivals.
Mythical link: A mythical link refers to the connection between a civilization and its foundational legends or stories that explain its origins and cultural identity. In the context of ancient Rome, these links often involve legendary figures and events that helped shape the Roman narrative, emphasizing themes of heroism, divine favor, and destiny.
Palatine Hill: Palatine Hill is one of the seven hills of Rome and is considered the birthplace of the city, playing a crucial role in the foundation myths, legendary kings, and archaeological history of ancient Rome. According to Roman mythology, this hill was the location where Romulus founded the city, making it a central figure in the stories surrounding the city's origins. Its significance continues through various historical narratives and archaeological discoveries that highlight its early settlements and royal heritage.
Parilia: Parilia was an ancient Roman festival celebrated on April 21st, primarily honoring the goddess Pales, who represented shepherds and flocks. This festival marked the foundation of Rome and was closely associated with the celebration of pastoral life and fertility. Parilia also involved rituals intended to purify and protect livestock, emphasizing the connection between the Romans and their agricultural roots.
Rhea Silvia: Rhea Silvia was a legendary figure in Roman mythology, known as the mother of Romulus and Remus, the twin founders of Rome. According to the foundation myths, she was a vestal virgin and the daughter of King Numitor of Alba Longa. Her story is deeply intertwined with themes of fate, divine intervention, and the origins of Rome.
Romulus and Remus: Romulus and Remus are the legendary twin brothers who are central figures in the foundation myth of Rome. According to the myth, they were born to the vestal virgin Rhea Silvia and the god Mars, and were abandoned at birth, only to be rescued and raised by a she-wolf. Their story represents the themes of conflict, ambition, and the divine right to rule, illustrating the origins of Rome's founding in both myth and historical context.
She-wolf: The she-wolf is a central figure in the foundation myths of Rome, symbolizing the nurturing aspect of the city's origin story. In the legend, the she-wolf famously suckled the abandoned twins Romulus and Remus after they were left to die by the Tiber River, representing themes of survival, motherhood, and the divine protection of Rome's founders. This myth highlights the significance of the she-wolf in connecting human destiny with nature and divine intervention, making her an enduring symbol of Rome's identity.
Tiber River: The Tiber River is the third longest river in Italy, flowing through Rome and playing a crucial role in the city's geography and mythology. It served as a vital waterway for trade and transport, significantly influencing the development of ancient Rome. The river is also deeply intertwined with foundational stories, such as those of Romulus and Remus, which highlight its importance in the city’s legendary origins.
Venus: Venus is the Roman goddess of love, beauty, and fertility, often associated with the Greek goddess Aphrodite. In Roman mythology, she plays a significant role in various foundation myths of Rome, particularly in relation to the epic tale of Aeneas, who is considered an ancestor of the Romans. Additionally, her influence extended into major Roman religious practices and the political sphere, showcasing how deities like Venus were integral to Roman identity and governance.
Vestal Virgins: Vestal Virgins were priestesses in ancient Rome, dedicated to the goddess Vesta, responsible for maintaining the sacred fire in her temple and ensuring its eternal flame was never extinguished. Their role was crucial in the context of Roman religious practices, as they symbolized purity and the stability of the state. The Vestal Virgins were also tied to various foundation myths of Rome, emphasizing their importance in both religious rituals and societal values.