Foundation Myths of Ancient Rome

Nobody is really sure who founded Rome. Some believe that Aeneas was responsible for it. Others believe that Romulus, and his twin brother, Remus founded Rome. Both assumptions are based on legend. The story of Romulus and Remus is a little far-fetched compared to the story of Aeneas.

The story of Romulus and Remus goes something like this: Romulus and Remus were the sons of Vestal Virgin and Rhea Silvia. When the twins were born, Numitor (their grandfather) wished to have them put to death. The boys were then left on a river bank. Left for dead, the boys were found by a she-wolf. The she-wolf nursed the boys and a woodpecker fed and guarded them.

Faustulus, a swineherd, took them into his care. He gave them a fine education. The boys grew up to have incredible strength and looks. Romulus, the name that inspired Rome, killed his brother Remus in a fight over which one of them would rule over Rome. It is recorded that Romulus served as the first king of Rome.

The story of Aeneas, also based on myth, is more believable and real: Aeneas is known to some as the father of Rome. Aeneas is a heroic character in the Iliad.
it is prophesied that the descendants of Aeneas would be kings . It is recorded by historians that Aeneas founded Rome and named it "Rhome", meaning strength.

These two ideas of the founding of Rome are very different. Though they are similar in the fact that they are both based on myth. One of these myths is more believable than the other, but they are both ,still, very trusted in. I guess we will never know how Rome was really founded and who founded it.

Barnett, Mary. Gods and Myths of the Romans: the Archaeology and Mythology of Ancient Peoples. Smithmark Publishers. New York. 1996

Marks, Anthony, and Graham Tingay. The Romans. Usborne. London. 1990.