Links
Life events
753 BC
Mythical Birth on the Palatine Hill
According to Roman tradition, Romulus and his twin brother Remus were born in Alba Longa and later abandoned on the Tiber River. They were discovered and suckled by a she-wolf on the Palatine Hill, where Rome would later be founded.
According to Roman tradition, Romulus and his twin brother Remus were born in Alba Longa and later abandoned on the Tiber River. They were discovered and suckled by a she-wolf on the Palatine Hill, where Rome would later be founded.
Wikipedia ↗
753 BC
Founding of Rome
Romulus founded the city of Rome on the Palatine Hill after killing his brother Remus in a dispute over the city's location. This date marks the traditional founding of Rome.
Romulus founded the city of Rome on the Palatine Hill after killing his brother Remus in a dispute over the city's location. This date marks the traditional founding of Rome.
Wikipedia ↗
753 BC
Establishment of the Roman Kingdom
Romulus became the first king of Rome, establishing the Roman Kingdom. He created the Senate and divided the population into tribes and centuries.
Romulus became the first king of Rome, establishing the Roman Kingdom. He created the Senate and divided the population into tribes and centuries.
Wikipedia ↗
753 BC
Reign as King of Rome
Romulus ruled as the first king of Rome for 37 years, expanding the city's territory and establishing many of its early institutions, including the Senate and the division of the population into patricians and plebeians.
Romulus ruled as the first king of Rome for 37 years, expanding the city's territory and establishing many of its early institutions, including the Senate and the division of the population into patricians and plebeians.
Wikipedia ↗
750 BC
Rape of the Sabine Women
To populate Rome, Romulus invited the neighboring Sabine tribes to a festival and abducted their women. This led to a war between the Romans and Sabines, which ended with the Sabines joining Rome.
To populate Rome, Romulus invited the neighboring Sabine tribes to a festival and abducted their women. This led to a war between the Romans and Sabines, which ended with the Sabines joining Rome.
Wikipedia ↗
750 BC
Battle with the Sabines
After the abduction of the Sabine women, the Sabines waged war against Rome. The conflict ended when the Sabine women intervened, leading to a truce and the merger of the two peoples under Romulus's rule.
After the abduction of the Sabine women, the Sabines waged war against Rome. The conflict ended when the Sabine women intervened, leading to a truce and the merger of the two peoples under Romulus's rule.
Wikipedia ↗
748 BC
War with Fidenae and Veii
Romulus led Rome in wars against the neighboring cities of Fidenae and Veii, securing Rome's dominance in the region and expanding its territory.
Romulus led Rome in wars against the neighboring cities of Fidenae and Veii, securing Rome's dominance in the region and expanding its territory.
Wikipedia ↗
717 BC
Disappearance of Romulus
Romulus mysteriously disappeared during a storm while reviewing his troops on the Campus Martius. He was either taken up to the gods or assassinated by the Senate, depending on the legend.
Romulus mysteriously disappeared during a storm while reviewing his troops on the Campus Martius. He was either taken up to the gods or assassinated by the Senate, depending on the legend.
Wikipedia ↗
717 BC
Deification as Quirinus
After his disappearance, Romulus was deified as the god Quirinus, becoming a symbol of Roman strength and identity. The Quirinal Hill in Rome is named after him.
After his disappearance, Romulus was deified as the god Quirinus, becoming a symbol of Roman strength and identity. The Quirinal Hill in Rome is named after him.
Wikipedia ↗
Article
Life Summary
Romulus is the legendary founder of Rome, traditionally dated to 753 BCE. According to Roman mythology, he and his twin brother Remus were sons of the god Mars and the vestal virgin Rhea Silvia. Abandoned as infants, they were suckled by a she-wolf and later raised by the shepherd Faustulus. As adults, the brothers decided to found a city but quarreled over its location. Romulus killed Remus in a dispute and became the sole ruler of the new settlement on the Palatine Hill, naming it Rome after himself. He reigned for nearly 40 years, establishing early Roman institutions, including the Senate, and expanding the city’s population through the abduction of Sabine women. Romulus mysteriously disappeared during a storm, later worshipped as the god Quirinus.
Historical Context
Romulus’s story is deeply intertwined with Rome’s founding myths, blending history and legend. The 8th century BCE was a period of urbanization in Italy, with Latin and Sabine tribes settling in the region. Rome’s strategic location along the Tiber River made it a hub for trade and cultural exchange. While Romulus’s historicity is debated, his legend served to legitimize Rome’s origins, its military ethos, and its divine favor. The tale of the Sabine women’s abduction reflects early Rome’s need for population growth and alliances. Romulus’s reign symbolizes the transition from tribal communities to organized city-states in ancient Italy, laying the groundwork for Rome’s future expansion and imperial dominance.
Beliefs
Romulus was believed to have been divinely favored, with his lineage tracing back to the god Mars. His deification as Quirinus reinforced the idea of Rome’s sacred destiny. The Romans viewed him as a semi-divine figure, embodying virtues of leadership, courage, and piety. His myth also emphasized the importance of divine will in Rome’s founding, with omens and auguries playing a key role in his decisions, such as the selection of the city’s site.
Key Achievements
- Founded the city of Rome in 753 BCE, establishing its first institutions and governance structures.
- Created the Roman Senate, initially composed of 100 patres (fathers), to advise the king and shape early Roman policy.
- Expanded Rome’s population through the abduction of Sabine women, securing alliances and ensuring the city’s growth.
- Established Rome’s first military and political systems, including the division of citizens into tribes and centuries.
- Introduced religious and cultural practices, such as the worship of Jupiter and the festival of Lupercalia, which became integral to Roman identity.
- Defeated neighboring tribes, including the Caeninenses and Antemnates, securing Rome’s early dominance in the region.
- Mysterious apotheosis as the god Quirinus, elevating his status to a divine protector of Rome.
