The Founding of Rome: The Story of Romulus and Remus in Roman Mythology

The founding of Rome is a legendary tale about the twins and demigods, Romulus and Remus. In Roman mythology, Romulus and Remus were the sons of Rhea Silvia and either the god Mars or the demigod Hercules. Also, in order to synthesise the myth of Aeneas, a Trojan prince who had fought in the Trojan War before setting off to Italy to establish the Roman bloodline, Romulus and Remus were believed to be direct descendants of Aeneas. As babies, Romulus and Remus were given a prophecy that they would overthrow Amulius who had usurped the throne of Alba Longa from their grandfather Numitor. Rhea Silvia was a Vestal Virgin, and since they were meant to be celibate, the twins were sent to be either exposed, buried alive or thrown in the Tiber River. Instead, they were placed in a basket and were found by a shepherd and his wife. The twins grew up as shepherds until the prophecy came true and they killed Amulius, and gave the throne back to Numitor. At this point, they decided to establish their own city. What