The creation myth of Ancient Rome is a rich and complex narrative that sheds light on the beliefs and values of the ancient Romans. This myth, which is found in various sources such as the writings of Virgil, Livy, and Ovid, tells the story of how Rome was founded and how its citizens came to be.
According to Roman mythology, the creation of Rome began with the Trojan hero Aeneas. Aeneas was a prince of Troy who fled the burning city after the Greeks defeated his people in the Trojan War. With a band of survivors, including his son Ascanius and his father Anchises, Aeneas set sail in search of a new home.
After a long and perilous journey, Aeneas and his companions arrived in Italy, where they were welcomed by the local king, Latinus. Latinus offered Aeneas his daughter Lavinia in marriage, which sparked a conflict with Turnus, the ruler of a neighboring kingdom. This conflict would eventually lead to the founding of Rome.
The foundation of Rome is attributed to Romulus and Remus, the twin sons of the war god Mars and the Vestal Virgin Rhea Silvia. According to legend, Rhea Silvia was forced to become a vestal virgin by her uncle, the king of Alba Longa, in order to prevent her from having children who might threaten his rule. However, she was visited by Mars in a dream and became pregnant with Romulus and Remus.
When the twins were born, their uncle ordered them to be thrown into the Tiber River in order to eliminate any potential threat to his rule. However, they were rescued by a she-wolf who suckled them and raised them in a cave on the Palatine Hill. The twins were eventually discovered by a shepherd named Faustulus, who raised them as his own sons.
As they grew older, Romulus and Remus learned of their royal heritage and set out to found their own city. However, they could not agree on where to build it. Romulus wanted to build on the Palatine Hill, while Remus favored the Aventine Hill. To settle the dispute, they consulted the gods through a ritual known as augury.
During the ritual, Remus saw six vultures flying overhead, while Romulus saw twelve. This led to a fierce argument between the brothers, which culminated in Romulus killing Remus in a fit of rage. Romulus then went on to found the city of Rome on the Palatine Hill, which would eventually become the greatest city of the ancient world.
The creation myth of Ancient Rome contains many themes and symbols that were important to the Romans. The story of Aeneas, for example, represents the Roman ideal of piety and duty towards one’s family and ancestors. Aeneas is portrayed as a noble hero who sacrifices his own desires in order to fulfill his destiny and ensure the survival of his people.
The story of Romulus and Remus, on the other hand, reflects the Roman values of courage, determination, and the willingness to sacrifice for the greater good. Romulus is depicted as a strong and visionary leader who is willing to do whatever it takes to build his city, even if it means killing his own brother.
The she-wolf that nursed Romulus and Remus has become one of the most enduring symbols of Rome. The image of the wolf suckling the twins is often depicted in Roman art and literature as a representation of the nurturing and protective nature of the city of Rome itself.
The myth of Rome’s creation also has a political dimension, as it served to legitimize the rule of the Roman emperors. The divine parentage of Romulus and Remus, as the sons of Mars, the god of war, provided a divine sanction for the power of the ruling elite. The story of Romulus killing Remus was also seen as a justification for the harsh and ruthless methods used by the Roman state to maintain order and control.
Overall, the creation myth of Ancient Rome is a powerful and evocative narrative that sheds light on the beliefs and values of the ancient Romans. It remains a central part of Roman culture and identity, serving as a foundation for the city’s history and a reflection of the enduring legacy of Rome as a center of power, culture, and civilization.
