The founding of Ancient Rome is steeped in legend and myth, marking the beginning of one of history’s most influential civilizations. According to tradition, Rome was established on April 21, 753 BCE, by Romulus, who became its first king. The tale recounts how Romulus and his twin brother Remus, the sons of the god Mars and the Vestal Virgin Rhea Silvia, were abandoned at birth and raised by a she-wolf. As adults, they decided to found a city. A disagreement over the site led to Romulus killing Remus, symbolizing the struggle for power and control that would characterize Roman history.
The initial settlement on the Palatine Hill eventually grew into a bustling city, benefiting from its strategic location near the Tiber River. Over time, Rome evolved from a small village into a powerful republic and later an empire that dominated much of the known world. This foundational myth not only reflects the values and beliefs of early Romans but also set the stage for a civilization that would leave an enduring legacy in politics, law, architecture, and culture.
