The first ruler of Rome was Romulus, the legendary founder and first king of the city. According to Roman mythology, Romulus and his twin brother Remus were abandoned as infants and left to die. However, they were rescued by a she-wolf who nurtured them until they were found by a shepherd named Faustulus.
Legend of Romulus and Remus:
The story goes that Romulus and Remus grew up in the care of Faustulus, learning about their royal lineage. As adults, they decided to establish a new city on the banks of the Tiber River. However, a disagreement arose between them over where to build this city.
According to one version of the legend, Romulus favored building on Palatine Hill while Remus preferred Aventine Hill. Unable to reach an agreement, they sought divine guidance through auspices – signs from the gods.
Divine Intervention:
Remus claimed that six vultures had appeared to him, indicating Aventine Hill as the chosen location. Not long after, Romulus countered with his own claim of twelve vultures appearing to him on Palatine Hill.
This disagreement ultimately led to a bitter argument between the brothers. In a fit of rage, Romulus killed Remus and became the sole ruler of the new city.
Rome’s First King:
After establishing Rome in 753 BC (according to Roman tradition), Romulus became its first king. He is credited with numerous significant achievements during his reign including:
- The Founding of Rome: Under Romulus’ leadership, Rome was built as a fortified city with walls and seven hills forming its foundation.
- The Senate: Romulus established the Senate, a council of elders who advised him on matters of governance and law.
- The Roman Army: He organized the Roman citizens into a military force known as the “Legion,” which became the backbone of Rome’s military might.
- Rome’s Expansion: Romulus embarked on military campaigns and expanded Rome’s territory by conquering neighboring tribes and cities.
Despite his accomplishments, Romulus’ reign was not without controversy. Some accounts portray him as a wise and just ruler, while others suggest he was despotic. Nevertheless, he left an enduring legacy as the founder of Rome.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, Romulus, the legendary figure from Roman mythology, was the first ruler of Rome. Through his leadership and ambition, he established Rome as a city and laid the foundation for its future greatness. While his story is steeped in myth and legend, his impact on Roman history cannot be denied.