The Founding of Rome

Definition

The founding of Rome refers to the legendary origins of the city, traditionally dated to 753 BCE, attributed to the twin brothers Romulus and Remus. This mythological narrative not only emphasizes the significance of Rome's establishment but also highlights themes of power, conflict, and divine favor that are crucial to understanding the city's later development into a dominant republic.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. According to legend, Romulus and Remus were abandoned as infants and raised by a she-wolf before deciding to found a city together.
2. Romulus killed Remus in a dispute over where the city should be located, leading him to name the city after himself.
3. The Palatine Hill is traditionally considered the site where Romulus founded Rome, establishing it as a significant cultural and political center.
4. The founding myth reflects key Roman values such as strength, courage, and loyalty to the state, which would be central to Roman identity.
5. The founding of Rome set the stage for its transformation from a small settlement into a powerful republic that would dominate much of the ancient world.

Review Questions

• How do the legends surrounding Romulus and Remus reflect the values and beliefs of early Roman society?
  • The legends of Romulus and Remus encapsulate core Roman values such as bravery, loyalty, and determination. Their story highlights the importance placed on strength and conflict resolution through force, evident in Romulus's killing of Remus. Additionally, the notion of divine favor shown through their miraculous survival underscores the belief that Rome was destined for greatness from its inception.
• In what ways did the founding myths influence the political structure of the early Roman Republic?
  • The founding myths significantly influenced early Roman political structures by instilling a sense of unity and purpose among citizens. The narrative of Romulus establishing authority as king set a precedent for future leaders and contributed to the idea that leadership should derive from valor and merit. This emphasis on heroic qualities influenced how future officials were viewed and legitimized their authority within the Republic.
• Evaluate the impact of Rome's founding on its eventual expansion into a vast empire, considering both cultural and military dimensions.
  • The founding of Rome laid a strong cultural foundation that emphasized military prowess and civic duty, which were crucial for its expansion into an empire. The legendary origins promoted ideals such as discipline and loyalty among citizens that became essential for military success. As Rome grew, these values helped sustain its armies and facilitated conquests across diverse territories. The narrative of strength from its beginnings provided a unifying identity that allowed for effective governance over conquered peoples, contributing to Rome's transformation into one of history's largest empires.

Related terms

Romulus: The legendary figure credited as the founder of Rome and its first king, who is said to have established the city after a conflict with his brother Remus.

Remus: The twin brother of Romulus, who played a significant role in Rome's founding myth, famously killed by Romulus during a dispute over the city’s location.

The Roman Republic: The period of ancient Roman civilization that lasted from 509 BCE until 27 BCE, characterized by a system of government where elected officials represented the citizenry.