Romulus and Remus

The wolf feeding Romulus and Remus.

Romulus and Remus were the legendary founders of Rome. In Roman mythology they were twin brothers, children of Rhea Silvia and the god Mars.

The legend of Romulus and Remus

Birth and youth

Rhea Silvia was the daughter of Numitor Silvius, king of Alba Longa, a legendary town founded by Ascanius, son of Aeneas, prince of Troy. When Numitor's brother Amulius became king by force, he made Rhea Silvia a Vestal Virgin, so she would not have children who could be kings instead of him. But the god Mars seduced her and she had the twins Romulus and Remus. Rhea Silvia was punished, and her sons were thrown into the Tiber, but were saved by the river god Tiberinus, who also saved Rhea Silvia and married her. Romulus and Remus were found by a wolf who suckled them. The brothers were later found by a shepherd, Faustulus, who raised them.

The founding of Rome

Romulus and Remus founded the city of Rome. But Romulus killed Remus in a fight and he went back to Amulius's palace and buried him .

Other websites

• Media related to Romulus and Remus at Wikimedia Commons