The Myth of Romulus and Remus: Sons of Mars (Ares to Greeks)

Published by Hellenic Moon on August 25, 2024August 25, 2024

Last week, we blogged about the new movie: Alien Romulus. That post focused more on the movie and its relation to the myth of Romulus and Remus. But it did not go in depth about the actual myth of Romulus and Remus itself, so today we will focus more on the myth of Romulus and Remus itself.

The myth of Romulus and Remus is one of the most captivating legends in Roman mythology, intertwining themes of divine intervention, fate, and the foundation of what would become one of the greatest civilizations in history—Rome. Central to this myth is the claim that Romulus and Remus were the sons of Mars, the Roman god of war, known as Ares to the Greeks. This divine ancestry not only elevated their story to the level of myth but also provided a powerful foundation myth for the city of Rome, emphasizing its destined greatness and martial prowess. This tale, steeped in tradition and myth, has resonated through the centuries, illustrating the Romans’ belief in their divine origins and their connection to the gods.

The Background: A Kingdom in Turmoil

The myth of Romulus and Remus begins long before their birth, with a backdrop of political intrigue and familial betrayal. The setting is the ancient city of Alba Longa, a city founded by Ascanius, the son of Aeneas, a Trojan hero. According to the myth, Alba Longa was ruled by a long line of kings descended from Aeneas, a lineage that was supposed to be preserved through divine favor. The story of Aeneas is a whole other legend, which you can learn more about here in our old post about The Aeneid.

At the time of the twins’ birth, Alba Longa was ruled by Numitor, a rightful king who was dethroned by his brother Amulius. Numitor was a noble and just ruler, but his brother Amulius was ambitious and ruthless. To secure his claim to the throne, Amulius banished Numitor and forced Rhea Silvia, Numitor’s daughter, to become a Vestal Virgin. This was a strategic move, as Vestal Virgins were sworn to celibacy, thus preventing Rhea Silvia from bearing any children who might threaten Amulius’ claim to the throne.

However, the intervention of the gods would soon disrupt Amulius’ carefully laid plans.

The Divine Conception: Mars and Rhea Silvia

Despite her vows of chastity, Rhea Silvia became pregnant. The myth attributes this miraculous conception to Mars, the god of war. Some versions of the story suggest that Mars appeared to Rhea Silvia in a dream, while others imply that he took on a mortal form and visited her in secret. Regardless of the details, the result was the birth of twin sons, Romulus and Remus.

The divine parentage of the twins is a critical aspect of the myth, as it links the founding of Rome directly to the gods. Mars, or Ares in Greek mythology, was not just any god but the god of war, a deity associated with strength, aggression, and the warrior spirit. By claiming Mars as their father, Romulus and Remus were endowed with qualities befitting future founders of a great city—military prowess, leadership, and a destiny intertwined with conflict and conquest.

This divine lineage also served to elevate Rome above other cities and peoples, suggesting that its origins were not merely human but divinely ordained.

The Abandonment and Survival of Romulus and Remus

Upon learning of Rhea Silvia’s pregnancy, Amulius was furious. He viewed the twins as a direct threat to his throne, given their potential claim as descendants of Numitor. Amulius ordered the twins to be killed and commanded that they be abandoned in the Tiber River, hoping that nature would do what he could not—dispose of them.

However, fate, or rather the will of the gods, intervened once again. The basket carrying Romulus and Remus floated safely down the river and came to rest at the foot of the Palatine Hill, one of the Seven Hills of Rome. Here, they were discovered by a she-wolf (Lupa in Latin), who miraculously took pity on the infants and nursed them.

The image of Romulus and Remus being suckled by a she-wolf is one of the most iconic representations of the myth, symbolizing the twins’ connection to the wild, to nature, and to Rome’s rugged, untamed origins. In some versions of the story, the she-wolf is later identified as a sacred animal of Mars, further emphasizing the divine protection afforded to the twins. The she-wolf is even featured on the logo of the football club AS Roma.

After a time, the twins were found by a shepherd named Faustulus and his wife, Larentia, who raised them as their own. Under their care, Romulus and Remus grew into strong, courageous young men, displaying exceptional leadership and martial abilities even from a young age. Their upbringing in the countryside also kept them close to the people, fostering a deep connection with the common folk and reinforcing their future roles as leaders who would protect and serve their people.

The Return to Alba Longa

As Romulus and Remus grew older, they became leaders among the local shepherds and bandits, known for their bravery and sense of justice. However, their true heritage remained a mystery to them until a series of events led to their discovery.

According to the myth, a quarrel between the twins and some shepherds loyal to King Amulius eventually led to the capture of Remus. Romulus, determined to rescue his brother, gathered a band of supporters and launched an attack on Alba Longa. During the ensuing conflict, the twins’ true identity was revealed by Faustulus, who informed them of their royal lineage and the injustices committed by Amulius.

With this newfound knowledge, Romulus and Remus rallied the people of Alba Longa to their cause. They overthrew Amulius, killing him and restoring their grandfather, Numitor, to the throne. This act of vengeance and justice not only avenged their mother and restored their family’s honor but also fulfilled the prophecy that the twins would play a crucial role in the destiny of Alba Longa.

However, the story does not end with their triumph in Alba Longa. The twins, now aware of their divine heritage and their destiny, decided to leave Alba Longa and seek their own fortune. Their goal was to establish a new city, one that would become the center of power and culture in the ancient world—Rome. The First King (trailer below), is a modern movie that tells their story. They even made the whole movie in a form of Latin which is believed to have been spoken in those times.

The Founding of Rome: A Tale of Rivalry

Romulus and Remus set out to find the perfect location for their new city. They eventually arrived at the site where they had been rescued as infants, near the Palatine Hill. However, as with many myths, the question of leadership soon arose. The twins, though close and loyal to each other, could not agree on which of them should be the ruler of this new city.

To resolve this dispute, they turned to the practice of augury, a form of divination that involved interpreting the will of the gods by observing the flight of birds. Romulus chose the Palatine Hill, while Remus chose the Aventine Hill, and they waited for a sign from the gods.

The outcome of this augury is depicted differently in various versions of the myth. In one account, Remus saw six vultures, while Romulus saw twelve. In another, Remus saw the birds first, but Romulus saw more of them. The interpretation of these signs led to a disagreement, with each twin claiming victory.

The tension between the brothers escalated, leading to a tragic confrontation. In a fit of anger, Remus mocked Romulus by jumping over the walls that Romulus had begun to build around his chosen site. In response, Romulus struck his brother down, killing him. This fratricide, though tragic, was seen by some as a necessary act to establish the unity and supremacy of the new city.

Romulus, now the sole leader, continued the construction of the city, which he named Rome after himself. This act of naming the city after its founder was symbolic of Romulus’ role as the ultimate authority and the embodiment of the city’s identity. The foundation date of Rome is traditionally set at April 21, 753 BCE, a date that would be celebrated by Romans for centuries as the birthday of their city.

Romulus: The First King of Rome

After the death of Remus, Romulus became the first king of Rome. His reign was marked by several key events that would shape the character and future of the Roman state. Romulus’ reign was characterized by military conquests and the expansion of Rome’s influence. He is credited with establishing many of Rome’s key institutions, including the Senate and the division of the population into different social classes. These early developments laid the groundwork for Rome’s future as a republic and later an empire.

The Apotheosis of Romulus

The end of Romulus’ life is as shrouded in mystery and myth as his birth. According to the legend, Romulus did not die an ordinary death but was taken up to the heavens by the gods. During a violent storm, Romulus disappeared, and when the storm cleared, he was gone. Some versions of the story suggest that he was murdered by members of the Senate who feared his growing power, while others maintain that he was simply taken up by Mars, his divine father.

Romulus’ ascension to the heavens transformed him into a god, known as Quirinus, who would be worshiped as one of the principal deities of Rome. His deification further solidified the divine nature of Rome’s foundation and the sacred status of its leaders. The worship of Romulus as Quirinus also reinforced the idea that Rome’s destiny was guided by the gods and that its rulers, like Romulus, were chosen by divine will.

The Legacy of Romulus and Remus

The myth of Romulus and Remus is more than just a story about the founding of a city; it is a narrative that encapsulates the values, beliefs, and identity of the Roman people. By tracing their origins to the sons of Mars, the Romans claimed a destiny shaped by the gods themselves.

The themes of fratricide, divine intervention, and the founding of a great city resonate throughout Roman history, reflecting the complexities of power, loyalty, and the pursuit of greatness. Romulus, as the founder and first king of Rome, became a symbol of Roman virtues—courage, determination, and the willingness to make difficult choices for the greater good.

The story of Romulus and Remus also highlights the importance of fate and the role of the gods in human affairs. The twins’ survival, their rise to power, and the eventual founding of Rome were seen as part of a divine plan, one that would lead to the creation of a city destined to rule the world.

In conclusion, the myth of Romulus and Remus is a foundational legend that not only explains the origins of Rome but also serves as a reflection of the values and beliefs that would define Roman civilization. The divine lineage of the twins, as sons of Mars, underscores the idea that Rome was a city favored by the gods, destined for greatness and eternal glory. Through this myth, the Romans found a powerful narrative that linked their history to the divine, giving them a sense of purpose and destiny that would drive their expansion and influence for centuries to come.