The first thing people usually think of when they hear “ancient civilization” is the Roman empire. However, where did this ancient civilization, which lasted so many years, actually come from? Although not objectively proven, the common story told by many involves the lives of two twin brothers named Romulus and Remus.
Before the Romans came the Latins, an Italic tribe that had existed since 1000 BC (see above). The brothers were born in Alba Longa, one of the Latin cities. Rhea Silvia, their mother, was the daughter of Numitor, a prior king who had been overthrown by his brother Amulius. Amulius made Rhea Silvia the vestal virgin in hopes that she would not be able to give birth to an heir to the throne. However, she gave birth to the brothers, with the father said to have been Mars, the god of War.
Angered at the news, Amulius quickly demanded the babies be drowned in the river Tiber. Yet, before sending them, a servant placed the boys in a basket. Soon downstream, a she-wolf named Lupa had found and took them in, raising them until adulthood. Seeking revenge, the brothers killed Amulius, returning the crown to their grandfather.
Next, the two looked towards starting their own city. While Romulus sought to build the city on Palatine Hill, Remus preferred to do so on Aventine Hill. The brothers agreed to settle the dispute by seeking divine tellings through augury, the process of interpreting omens by observing birds. Remus was the first to spot birds, counting six in total. Following suit, Romulus was able to count twelve. Remus argued that he should win the contest since he had seen the first bird. But Romulus believed he had won, as he had spotted the larger number of birds. Ultimately, Romulus killed Remus and subsequently founded the city of Rome.