Romulus

Definition

Romulus is a legendary figure in Roman mythology, credited as the founder of Rome and its first king. He is known for his role in the story of the founding of the city, including the tale of his twin brother Remus, their upbringing, and the subsequent events that led to Romulus establishing the city on Palatine Hill. Romulus symbolizes the ideals of strength, leadership, and the martial spirit that would come to define Roman culture.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Romulus was said to have been raised by a she-wolf along with Remus after being abandoned as infants, symbolizing Rome's rugged origins.
2. After killing Remus, Romulus established Rome in 753 BCE, marking a significant moment in Roman history as its legendary foundation date.
3. Romulus created political and social institutions for Rome, including the Senate and various religious practices, laying the groundwork for future governance.
4. He is often associated with military conquests and expansion, emphasizing the importance of warfare in early Roman society.
5. The legend states that Romulus disappeared during a storm and was later worshipped as a god, further intertwining his legacy with Roman religion and identity.

Review Questions

• How does the story of Romulus and Remus illustrate the themes of conflict and cooperation in the early narratives of Rome?
  • The story of Romulus and Remus illustrates conflict through their violent dispute over the founding location of Rome, leading to Romulus killing Remus. This conflict reflects broader themes in Roman history where power struggles often led to significant changes. However, their narrative also emphasizes cooperation in their shared upbringing by the she-wolf, symbolizing unity among Romans despite future divisions and strife.
• Analyze how Romulus' actions in establishing social institutions influenced Roman governance in later periods.
  • Romulus' establishment of institutions like the Senate laid essential groundwork for Roman governance. By creating political structures and integrating military leadership with civil authority, he set a precedent for future leaders. This blend of military prowess and political acumen became central to Rome’s identity, influencing governance styles well beyond his time and into the Republic and Empire.
• Evaluate the cultural significance of Romulus within the context of Roman mythology and its impact on Roman identity.
  • Romulus serves as a cultural touchstone in Roman mythology, embodying ideals such as strength, leadership, and martial valor. His narrative not only provided a legendary origin for Rome but also shaped Roman identity by promoting values associated with military conquest and governance. As Romans looked back on their mythological roots, Romulus became synonymous with what it meant to be Roman, influencing literature, art, and collective memory throughout history.

Related terms

Remus:

Romulus' twin brother who, according to legend, was also involved in the founding of Rome but was killed by Romulus during a dispute over where the city should be located.

The Rape of the Sabine Women: An event in Roman mythology where Romulus abducted women from neighboring tribes to provide wives for his followers, reflecting themes of violence and necessity in Rome's early expansion.

Pax Romana: A period of peace and stability throughout the Roman Empire that followed the reign of Augustus, which can be traced back to the foundational myths surrounding figures like Romulus.