Romulus (/ˈrɒmjʊləs/, Classical Latin: [ˈroːmʊɫʊs]) is celebrated as the legendary founder and first king of Rome, a figure whose mythic story is integral to Roman identity and culture. Alongside his twin brother Remus, Romulus is said to have established one of the greatest civilizations in history, laying the foundation for the Roman state that would come to dominate much of the ancient world. According to tradition, the tale of Romulus begins in 753 BC and is characterized by themes of bravery, rivalry, divine intervention, and political acumen. This article provides an in-depth look at Romulus’ story, his rise to power, and his enduring legacy in Roman history.
The Birth and Early Life of Romulus and Remus
The story of Romulus and Remus is filled with divine heritage and legendary elements that reflect the aspirations and values of the early Romans. Their origin story involves gods, betrayal, and survival against all odds.
The Divine Lineage
Romulus and Remus were born to Rhea Silvia, the daughter of Numitor, the rightful king of Alba Longa, a city in central Italy. According to legend, their father was Mars, the god of war, making the twins demigods and giving them a divine right to rule. Rhea Silvia was forced to become a Vestal Virgin by her uncle Amulius, who had usurped the throne from Numitor. Amulius wanted to prevent Rhea Silvia from having children who could challenge his power, but the intervention of Mars thwarted his plans.
Abandonment and Rescue
Fearful of the potential threat that the twins posed, Amulius ordered that Romulus and Remus be abandoned by the Tiber River. The twins were placed in a basket and left to die, but they were miraculously saved. The basket floated down the river until it became lodged in the roots of a fig tree near the Palatine Hill. There, the twins were discovered by a she-wolf (lupa), who nursed them until they were found by a shepherd named Faustulus. Faustulus and his wife, Acca Larentia, raised Romulus and Remus as their own, unaware of their true royal lineage.
The Founding of Rome
The story of the founding of Rome is marked by fraternal rivalry, divine omens, and the determination of Romulus to establish a city that would stand the test of time.
Return to Alba Longa
As they grew older, Romulus and Remus became natural leaders, known for their strength, courage, and sense of justice. Eventually, they learned of their true heritage and decided to take revenge on Amulius. With the help of local supporters, they overthrew Amulius and restored their grandfather Numitor to the throne of Alba Longa. However, instead of staying in Alba Longa, the twins decided to establish their own city.
Choosing the Site for Rome
The twins set out to find the perfect location for their new city. They chose the area near the Tiber River, where they had been rescued, but they could not agree on the exact location. Romulus favored the Palatine Hill, while Remus preferred the Aventine Hill. To settle the dispute, they decided to seek a divine sign by watching for omens of birds. Remus reportedly saw six vultures, while Romulus saw twelve, and he declared himself the winner. The brothers argued, and in the ensuing conflict, Romulus killed Remus. With Remus dead, Romulus became the sole founder of the new city, which he named Rome after himself.
The Early Development of Rome
Once Rome was founded, Romulus set about organizing the city, establishing its early institutions, and attracting settlers.
Establishment of Political and Social Institutions
Romulus is credited with creating the first political and social institutions of Rome. He divided the city’s population into three tribes and further subdivided them into curiae, or wards. This early form of social organization laid the groundwork for Roman society, which was characterized by a sense of belonging and duty to the community. Romulus also established the Senate, an advisory council composed of the heads of the leading families. These early senators were known as patres (fathers), and their descendants would become the patricians, the aristocratic class of Rome.
The Asylum and Population Growth
To ensure the growth of his new city, Romulus created an asylum on the Capitoline Hill, where fugitives, exiles, and anyone seeking a new life could come and join the population of Rome. This policy of inclusion helped Rome grow rapidly, attracting people from neighboring regions and providing a diverse and dynamic population. However, the city’s rapid growth created an imbalance, as there was a shortage of women to marry the new settlers.
The Sabine Women and the Unification of Rome
The Rape of the Sabine Women is one of the most famous and controversial episodes in the story of Romulus. It reflects the challenges faced by the early Romans in establishing their city and the lengths to which Romulus would go to secure its future.
The Abduction of the Sabine Women
To address the shortage of women in Rome, Romulus devised a plan to abduct women from the neighboring Sabine tribe. He invited the Sabines and other neighboring tribes to a festival in honor of Neptune, the god of the sea. During the festival, the Romans seized the Sabine women and took them as wives. This event, known as the Rape of the Sabine Women, led to tensions and conflict between Rome and the Sabines.
War with the Sabines
The Sabine king, Titus Tatius, declared war on Rome to recover the abducted women. After several battles, the Sabine women, who had by then become attached to their Roman husbands and had started families, intervened to stop the fighting. They pleaded for peace between their fathers and brothers and their new husbands, leading to a truce and the unification of the Romans and Sabines. Titus Tatius co-ruled with Romulus for a time, symbolizing the unity of the two peoples.
The Expansion and Military Campaigns of Romulus
Romulus was not only a founder and lawgiver but also a warrior king. His reign was marked by numerous military campaigns aimed at expanding the territory of Rome and securing its position in the region.
Conquest of Neighboring Tribes
Romulus led Rome in a series of successful military campaigns against neighboring tribes, including the Etruscans, the Veientes, and the Latins. These campaigns helped to expand the territory of Rome and secure its dominance over the surrounding areas. Romulus‘ military success contributed to his reputation as a powerful and effective ruler, and he was seen as a symbol of Roman strength and resilience.
The Spoila Opima
One of the most celebrated military achievements of Romulus was his victory over Acron, the king of Caenina. In single combat, Romulus defeated Acron and took his armor as a trophy, dedicating it to Jupiter Feretrius. This act became known as the Spoila Opima, a rare honor awarded to a Roman general who killed an enemy king or general in single combat. Romulus‘ dedication of the Spoila Opima was a significant event in Roman military tradition and reinforced his status as a heroic figure.
The Death and Deification of Romulus
The end of Romulus’ life is as legendary as his birth and reign. Different versions of his death exist, but they all contribute to his transformation from a mortal king to a god.
The Mysterious Disappearance
According to tradition, Romulus mysteriously disappeared during a violent storm while reviewing his troops on the Campus Martius. Some accounts suggest that he was taken up to the heavens by his father Mars, while others imply that he was killed by members of the Senate who had grown resentful of his autocratic rule. Regardless of the circumstances, Romulus‘ disappearance led to his deification.
Quirinus: The God
After his death, Romulus was worshipped as the god Quirinus, one of the major deities of Rome. Quirinus was considered a protector of the Roman state, and his cult became an important part of Roman religion. The deification of Romulus as Quirinus reinforced his role as the eternal founder and guardian of Rome.
The Legacy of Romulus
Romulus left an enduring legacy that shaped the identity and culture of Rome for centuries. His story, though largely mythological, served as a powerful symbol of Roman values and ideals.
The Foundation Myth
The story of Romulus and Remus became the foundational myth of Rome, symbolizing the city’s divine origins, resilience, and capacity for growth. The image of the she-wolf nursing the twins became an enduring symbol of Rome, representing the city’s humble beginnings and its rise to greatness. The myth of Romulus also emphasized themes of bravery, determination, and the willingness to take bold actions for the greater good of the community.
The Institutions of Rome
The institutions established by Romulus, including the Senate and the social organization of Rome, laid the foundation for the political and social structure of the Roman Republic and, later, the Roman Empire. His emphasis on military strength, law, and governance became key aspects of Roman identity and helped shape the city’s development into a powerful and enduring civilization.
Romulus as a Cultural Icon
Throughout Roman history, Romulus was celebrated as a cultural icon and a symbol of Roman virtues. His story was recounted by Roman historians, poets, and artists, and he was honored in religious rituals and festivals. The festival of Parilia, celebrated on April 21, was later associated with the founding of Rome and became known as the birthday of Rome (Dies Natalis Romae). Romulus’ legacy continued to inspire Romans as they expanded their empire and spread their culture across the ancient world.
Conclusion
Romulus, the legendary founder and first king of Rome, is a figure whose story is deeply embedded in Roman culture and identity. From his miraculous birth and survival to his founding of Rome and his transformation into the god Quirinus, Romulus embodies the values of bravery, resilience, and leadership that were central to Roman society. His establishment of key political and social institutions laid the groundwork for the development of Rome into a powerful and enduring civilization.
The legacy of Romulus is not just the city he founded, but also the cultural and political traditions that he helped create. His story, though mythological, provided a sense of identity and continuity for the Roman people, linking their origins to the divine and affirming their destiny as rulers of the ancient world. Understanding the story of Romulus allows us to appreciate the foundational myths and values that shaped the Roman state and contributed to its enduring legacy in world history.