Who Founded Rome in 753 BC?

By Robert Palmer

Who Founded Rome in 753 BC?

Rome, the eternal city and the capital of Italy, has a rich history that dates back to ancient times. According to legendary accounts, Rome was founded in 753 BC by Romulus, the first king of Rome. This founding myth is well-known and has been passed down through generations.

The Legend of Romulus and Remus

The story begins with twin brothers named Romulus and Remus. They were descendants of Aeneas, a Trojan prince who fled to Italy after the fall of Troy. The twins were abandoned as infants and left to die on the banks of the Tiber River.

However, fate had other plans for them. They were discovered by a she-wolf who nurtured them until they were found by a shepherd named Faustulus. Faustulus raised them as his own sons.

As they grew older, Romulus and Remus decided to establish their own city near the location where they were found. However, disagreement arose between them regarding which hill should be chosen as the site for their new city.

The Contest

To settle the dispute, Romulus and Remus agreed to seek divine intervention. They looked for signs from the gods that would indicate their chosen hill as the rightful location for their city.

Remus saw six vultures first, signaling that he had been chosen by the gods. However, shortly afterward, twelve vultures appeared before Romulus. This convinced him that he was favored by the gods.

Rome’s Foundation

On April 21st in 753 BC, Romulus began digging a trench around Palatine Hill – the hill he believed had been chosen by divine forces. He marked the boundaries of the city and performed a sacred ceremony known as the “Founding of Rome.”

Rome was established as a city-state with Romulus as its first king. He named the city after himself, and it became known as “Roma” in Latin.

The Historical Significance

While the story of Romulus and Remus is considered a myth, it holds immense historical significance. Rome went on to become one of the most powerful and influential civilizations in history.

The Romans developed a sophisticated system of governance, law, engineering, architecture, and military strategies that shaped Western civilization. They expanded their territory through conquests and established an empire that lasted for centuries.

The Legacy of Rome

Rome’s influence can still be seen today in various aspects of modern society. The Roman legal system formed the basis for many legal systems around the world.

Roman architecture inspired buildings such as the Colosseum and Pantheon. The Latin language evolved into Romance languages such as Italian, Spanish, French, Portuguese, and Romanian.

  • Architecture
  • Engineering
  • Governance
  • Military Strategies
  • Law
  • Language

The legacy of Rome is a testament to its enduring impact on human civilization.

In Conclusion

Rome was founded in 753 BC by Romulus according to legend. While this founding story may be steeped in mythology, it symbolizes the birth of one of history’s greatest civilizations. From its humble beginnings to its grand empire, Rome’s influence has left an indelible mark on our world.