When it comes to legends, Rome has no shortage. The city is steeped in history and myth, and two legends stand out among the rest – the legend of Romulus and Remus, and the legend of Aeneas.
The Legend of Romulus and Remus
The story begins with their grandfather, Numitor, who was once the king of Alba Longa. His brother, Amulius, overthrew him and took the throne for himself.
To secure his reign, Amulius ordered Numitor’s daughter, Rhea Silvia, to become a Vestal Virgin – sworn to celibacy. However, Mars, the Roman god of war, fell in love with Rhea Silvia and they conceived twin sons – Romulus and Remus.
Fearing retaliation from Amulius, Rhea Silvia abandoned her newborn twins on the banks of the Tiber River. Miraculously, they were found by a she-wolf who nurtured them until a kind shepherd named Faustulus discovered them and raised them as his own.
As the twins grew older, they learned of their true heritage and set out to reclaim their grandfather’s throne. They successfully overthrew Amulius and founded a new city on Palatine Hill – Rome.
However, conflict arose between Romulus and Remus over who should be the ruler. In a fit of rage during an argument about where to build their new city walls, Romulus killed Remus.
With Remus dead, Romulus became the first king of Rome. He established laws for his people and invited neighboring tribes to join his city-state. Rome flourished under his rule and became one of the greatest civilizations in history.
The Legend of Aeneas
The legend of Aeneas is closely connected to Virgil’s epic poem, the Aeneid. Aeneas was a Trojan hero who fled the burning city of Troy during the Trojan War. He embarked on a long and perilous journey, guided by divine intervention, in search of a new homeland.
After many trials and tribulations, Aeneas and his followers arrived in Italy. They encountered Queen Dido of Carthage, with whom Aeneas fell deeply in love.
However, he was reminded by the gods of his destiny to found a new city in Italy. Reluctantly, he left Dido and continued his journey.
Aeneas eventually landed on the shores of Latium and sought alliance with King Latinus. He married Latinus’ daughter, Lavinia, which sparked conflict with Turnus, a local prince who also sought her hand.
In the ensuing war, Aeneas emerged victorious and founded the city of Lavinium. His son Ascanius later established Alba Longa, which became the birthplace of Romulus and Remus – thus connecting the legends.
In Conclusion
The legends of Romulus and Remus and Aeneas are deeply ingrained in Roman history and provide insight into the origins of one of the greatest empires ever known. These tales not only entertain but also serve as a reminder of Rome’s rich mythology and cultural heritage.