Why Is the She-Wolf the Symbol of Rome?
When one thinks of Rome, several iconic symbols come to mind – the Colosseum, the Roman Forum, and the Vatican City. However, one enduring symbol that represents the city’s ancient roots is the she-wolf. Depicted as a bronze statue nursing two infants, this symbol holds great significance in Roman mythology and history.
The Legend of Romulus and Remus
To understand the connection between Rome and the she-wolf, we must delve into the legend of Romulus and Remus. According to ancient Roman mythology, these twin brothers were abandoned at birth and left to die by order of their jealous great-uncle Amulius.
However, fate intervened in the form of a she-wolf who discovered the infants and took them under her care. She nurtured them with her milk until they were found by a shepherd named Faustulus. Faustulus then raised them as his own sons.
The Founding of Rome
As Romulus and Remus grew older, they decided to establish a city on the banks of the Tiber River. However, a dispute arose between them regarding its location. To resolve this conflict, they consulted auguries – signs from the gods.
On April 21st in 753 BCE, both brothers stood on separate hills overlooking different parts of Rome. Romulus observed six vultures flying above Palatine Hill while Remus saw twelve vultures circling Aventine Hill.
Interpreting their sightings as favorable omens from the gods, both brothers claimed their respective hills. Romulus began building a wall around Palatine Hill while Remus mocked his brother’s efforts by leaping over it in jest. In a fit of anger, Romulus killed Remus, becoming the sole founder of Rome.
The Symbolism of the She-Wolf
The she-wolf’s role in Roman mythology is clearly evident in this legendary tale. Her nurturing and protective nature towards Romulus and Remus symbolizes the city’s origins and the care it provides to its citizens.
Moreover, the image of a she-wolf nursing two infants became an enduring symbol of Rome’s power and influence. It represents the city’s ability to nurture and protect its people, just as the she-wolf did with Romulus and Remus.
The Bronze Statue
The most famous depiction of the she-wolf is a bronze statue known as “Lupa Capitolina” or “Capitoline Wolf.” This ancient sculpture dates back to at least the 13th century CE. While the statue itself is Etruscan in origin, it has come to be closely associated with Rome.
The Capitoline Wolf statue portrays a she-wolf standing proudly on her hind legs while suckling Romulus and Remus. The twins are depicted as infants, emphasizing their vulnerable beginnings and their eventual rise to greatness as founders of Rome.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the she-wolf holds immense significance in Roman mythology and history. As a symbol representing Rome’s nurturing nature and protective power, it embodies the city’s founding legend of Romulus and Remus. The iconic bronze statue, “Lupa Capitolina,” further immortalizes this symbol for generations to come.