It really is interesting how the story of the founding of Rome is one that has pervaded the common knowledge without any factual basis. At the very least, most people know the story of Romulus and Remus. It is said that the twins were born of Rhea Silvia, a Vestal virgin, and the Roman god of war, Mars. After which they were left to die along the Tiber River by their great uncle, Amulius, who was king of Alba Longa after deposing their grandfather, Numitor. While by the river the two babies were suckled by a she-wolf before being found by a shepherd, eventually learning of their heritage, reclaiming the throne for their grandfather, and founding Rome (during which Romulus killed Remus in a disagreement as seen above.)
The story itself is interesting enough but what’s more interesting is the lack of evidence for the events described despite the story’s acceptance. This period of Roman history is shrouded in myth and legend due to the lack of written accounts but somehow this story has survived. Historians posit that Romulus and Remus never existed, but instead the story was fabricated in order to give the founding of Rome a captivating twist. Romulus’ name literally means “the Roman” and thus was likely derived from the name of the already existing city. This entire argument raises questions about what historical events we hold as factual without evidence to prove or disprove them. It can be especially difficult when early historians took these passed-down tales as true. We are thus left with written works from authors like Livy, who retell these stories as near fact. These fantastical stories are likely derived from humans’ nature to assign meaning to coincidental or meaningless events. Rome was one of the greatest empires in the history of the world, so it must have a great story and founder that we can attribute its greatness to, right?
In all likelihood, Rome developed organically from a settlement into a city state that accumulated great wealth and military power from a multitude of factors that are much less interesting than a compelling story of demigods, tyrants, revolts, and fratricide.
