Foundational Myths of Rome

There are two main myths that tell of the foundations of Rome. One of the Myths is that it was founded by the twin brothers, Romulus and Remus. The other main foundational myth of Rome is that it was founded by Aeneas and his followers after the fall of Troy.

In the Myth of Romulus and Remus, Romulus is the one said to have discovered Rome. Romulus is the twin brother of Remus. Romulus and Remus are said to be the sons of Mars, god of war, and Rhea Silvia, one of the vestal virgins. Rhea Silvia was said to be the daughter of the king of Alba Longa. The brothers were thrown in the river because they might have been a threat to the thrown. They were rescued by a she-wolf and was nursed by it. The brothers built a city when they grew up. Romulus built a wall to divide his city, and Remus jumped the wall. It is said that Remus was killed by Romulus or one of his friends for trespassing.

The two boys were said to have been discovered by Faustulus, who was a shepherd, who raised the children in his home. There were not enough women for Romulus and Remus, so Romulus stole a woman from an Italian tribe. When Romulus and Remus built Rome, the first citizens of Rome were fugitives and outlaws. Rome's location began at the place where the she-wolf nursed them, Palatine Hill.

Another foundational myth of Rome was the Aeneas was the founder of Ancient Rome. Aeneas was born in Troy, and died in Italy. It is said that Aeneas and the defeated army of Troy sailed across the Mediterranean Sea until they reached the Latin Coast. It is said that they founded Troy their and it was ruled by Amulius for many years.

So those are the two foundational myths of Troy. Though the story of Romulus and Remus is a more detailed account of the founding of Rome, It is more likely that Rome was founded by Aeneas after the Trojan defeat in the Trojan War.