Romulus
Early Life and Mythological Origins
Romulus is a central figure in Roman mythology, credited as one of the legendary founders of Rome. According to myth, Romulus and his twin brother Remus were the sons of Rhea Silvia, a vestal virgin, and the god Mars, the god of war. Their story begins with their grandfather, Numitor, the rightful king of Alba Longa, who was overthrown by his brother Amulius. To prevent any challenge to his rule, Amulius forced Rhea Silvia into the vestal order, ensuring she would remain childless. However, Mars intervened, and Rhea Silvia gave birth to the twins.
Amulius, fearing the potential threat posed by the twins, ordered them to be cast into the Tiber River. However, the river god Tiberinus ensured their survival, and they were eventually discovered by a she-wolf, who nursed them. Later, a shepherd named Faustulus and his wife Acca Larentia found the twins and raised them as their own.
The Founding of Rome
As adults, Romulus and Remus learned of their true heritage and overthrew Amulius, restoring Numitor to the throne of Alba Longa. They then decided to establish a city of their own. The brothers quarreled over the location, with Romulus favoring the Palatine Hill and Remus the Aventine Hill. According to legend, the dispute was settled by an augury, a practice of interpreting the will of the gods by observing the flight of birds. Romulus saw twelve birds, while Remus saw only six, leading Romulus to claim the right to establish the city.
Romulus began constructing the city walls on the Palatine Hill, but Remus mocked their height and leapt over them, an act interpreted as a bad omen. In the ensuing altercation, Romulus killed Remus. This fratricide is a pivotal moment in Roman mythology, symbolizing the often violent and tumultuous nature of Rome's expansion and governance.
Romulus as King
After the death of Remus, Romulus became the sole ruler and named the city Rome after himself. His reign is characterized by several key developments that laid the foundation for Roman society and governance. Romulus established the Senate, an advisory body composed of the city's leading men, which played a crucial role in Roman politics for centuries. He also organized the city's first army, creating the Roman legions, which became the backbone of Roman military might.
To address the shortage of women in Rome, Romulus devised the Rape of the Sabine Women, a controversial episode where Roman men abducted women from neighboring Sabine families during a festival. This act led to a war with the Sabines, which was eventually resolved through negotiation and the integration of the Sabines into Roman society.
Religious and Cultural Contributions
Romulus is credited with establishing many of Rome's religious and cultural institutions. He is said to have founded the Roman calendar, dividing the year into ten months. He also instituted various religious rites and ceremonies, including the Lupercalia, a festival held in February to purify the city and promote health and fertility.
Romulus' reign also saw the establishment of the Curia, the assembly of Roman citizens, which played a significant role in the governance of the city. He is often depicted as a lawgiver and a warrior king, embodying the martial and civic virtues that Romans held in high esteem.
Death and Legacy
The circumstances surrounding Romulus' death are shrouded in myth and mystery. According to one version, he was taken up to the heavens during a storm and deified as the god Quirinus, becoming one of the three major deities of the Roman state religion, alongside Jupiter and Mars. Another version suggests that he was murdered by members of the Senate, who resented his autocratic rule.
Romulus' legacy is profound, as he is seen as the embodiment of Roman virtues and the archetypal founder of the city. His story has been retold and reinterpreted throughout history, serving as a symbol of Rome's origins and its imperial destiny.