The Mythological Accounts of the Founding of Rome
The mythological accounts of the founding of Rome are:
Aeneas as Founder of Rome:
The Trojan prince Aeneas is sometimes credited with the founding of Rome as the culmination of his post-Trojan War adventures, but the version of the Roman foundation myth that is most familiar is that of Romulus, the first king of Rome.
Birth of Romulus and Remus
Romulus and Remus were twin brothers, the sons of a virgin named Rhea Silvia ( also called Ilia) and the god Mars, according to legend. The grandfather, Numitor, and the great-uncle, Amulius, who between them divided the wealth and kingdom of Alba Longa, a city founded by Aeneas’ son Ascanius, but then Amulius seized Numitor’s share and became sole ruler. To prevent retaliation by offspring of his brother, Amulius made his niece a vestal virgin. When Rhea became pregnant, her life was spared because of the special pleading of Amulius’ daughter Antho. Although she kept her life, Rhea was imprisoned.
Exposure of the Infants
Contrary to plan, the virgin Rhea was impregnated by the god Mars. When the twin boys were born, Amulius wished to have them killed, and so bid someone, perhaps Faustulus, a swineherd, expose the boys. Faustulus left the twins on the river bank where a she-wolf nursed them, and a woodpecker fed and guarded them until Faustulus took them into his care again. The two boys were well educated by Faustulus and his wife, Acca Larentia. They grew up to be strong and attractive.
"They say that his name was Faustulus; and that they were carried by him to his homestead and given to his wife Larentia to be brought up. Some are of the opinion that Larentia was called Lupa among the shepherds from her being a common prostitute, and hence an opening was afforded for the marvelous story.
Romulus and Remus Learn Their Identity
As adults, Remus found himself imprisoned, and in the presence of Numitor, who determined from his age that Remus and his twin brother could be his grandsons. Learning of Remus'
Aeneas as Founder of Rome:
The Trojan prince Aeneas is sometimes credited with the founding of Rome as the culmination of his post-Trojan War adventures, but the version of the Roman foundation myth that is most familiar is that of Romulus, the first king of Rome.
Birth of Romulus and Remus
Romulus and Remus were twin brothers, the sons of a virgin named Rhea Silvia ( also called Ilia) and the god Mars, according to legend. The grandfather, Numitor, and the great-uncle, Amulius, who between them divided the wealth and kingdom of Alba Longa, a city founded by Aeneas’ son Ascanius, but then Amulius seized Numitor’s share and became sole ruler. To prevent retaliation by offspring of his brother, Amulius made his niece a vestal virgin. When Rhea became pregnant, her life was spared because of the special pleading of Amulius’ daughter Antho. Although she kept her life, Rhea was imprisoned.
Exposure of the Infants
Contrary to plan, the virgin Rhea was impregnated by the god Mars. When the twin boys were born, Amulius wished to have them killed, and so bid someone, perhaps Faustulus, a swineherd, expose the boys. Faustulus left the twins on the river bank where a she-wolf nursed them, and a woodpecker fed and guarded them until Faustulus took them into his care again. The two boys were well educated by Faustulus and his wife, Acca Larentia. They grew up to be strong and attractive.
"They say that his name was Faustulus; and that they were carried by him to his homestead and given to his wife Larentia to be brought up. Some are of the opinion that Larentia was called Lupa among the shepherds from her being a common prostitute, and hence an opening was afforded for the marvelous story.
Romulus and Remus Learn Their Identity
As adults, Remus found himself imprisoned, and in the presence of Numitor, who determined from his age that Remus and his twin brother could be his grandsons. Learning of Remus'