As the greatest Metropolitan city of its time, Rome’s diversity expounded itself beyond a physical, tangible level, but rather also manifested itself through plethora of myths and other folklore. A defining myth of the city lies in the tale narrated by Plutarch. The aforementioned is Romulus in Remus, one of the strongest recounts created to explain the nebulous, vague foundation of the expansive city. Following the definition detailed by Synnøve des Bouvrie’s, the work is regarded as a myth as it provided a sense of identity to Roman citizens, alluded to the divinity (and in consequence, future successes) of the city, and therefore justified the actions of the city’s principal founders, Romulus and Remus, and overall, is a work of extreme …show more content…
Religion was deeply intertwined with Roman traditions, and therefore was incorporated as a key aspect in many of their stories, with Romulus and Remus posing as no exception. The religious highlights of their tale stems from their birth, by which both brothers were “sprung from the gods” (Langhorne 49). While the story of their birth does render a degree mystery, it also does absolve a part of the latter. The divinity associated with the birth of the founders shows not only the importance of religion in ancient Rome, but also justifies the actions of its founders as their decisions were acted upon and with religious basis. The notion that Rome was a city that was essentially created by those who had a hand in creating the world, amplified the power and esteem Roman citizens had with regards to their city. Deemed in high respects by the original population, and still festively told today, Romulus and Remus must be classified as a myth as it uses theological aspects surrounding the birth of Rome’s founders in order to explain, justify and take pride in the Brothers’, and by extension, the city’s …show more content…
Therefore, the development of Rome usurped the authority of some individual land owners and shifted the equilibrium of other groups. The specific location for the original site of Rome has significant culture value. As stated by Plutarch, the land where Rome stands was once where Romulus and Remus had “their first nourishment” (Langhorne 86). The aforementioned, again, alludes to the religious aspect surrounding the brothers’ early childhood days— full of harsh obstacles that the brothers overcame with their strength as well as with divine interference. In addition, the first meal is particularly important in Roman culture (Langhorne 86). As a consequence, because of the magnanimous significance linked to this particular location (as explained through the text), the development of Rome and consequently, displacement of certain groups of people, is justified. Romulus and Remus, serves as a myth, because its existence and link between history and religion, defends and explains the creation of Rome as a large metropolitan
The next major example of Roman virtue is the story of Romulus and Remus. The twins are sons of the God Mars the patron god of Rome, which in itself is a major support. Then the two boys have grown up Livy describes them as men who have “gained strength in body and mind. (Livy 4)” The twins are already becoming a virtuous humans. Livy also shows the great deeds of the young men, as they hunt the wild animals, make attacks on robbers, and spread the spoils amongst the shepherds. Here the boys are almost destined to be great. They have a code of virtues, in which they fight off evil and give to the poor.
Clearly, there is a distinction between the world of the Roman gods and the world that everyday people live in. Man, according to Ovid, has experienced a gold, sil...
Livy begins early in establishing the basic characteristics of Romulus, arguably the most notable Roman in history. Romulus and his brother Remus were “energetic young men, who [were]… strengthened… in body and spirit.” (Livy 9). Livy then describes the clash of these attributes between the two brothers, as Romulus and Remus battle for supremacy. “From a war of words, anger turned them to bloodshed. In the heat of the melee, Remus met his death.” (Livy 11). Livy wastes no time in establishing the brutal tradition of war that helped to extend the Roman Empire. Romulus came to power because of force, and furthered his rule by the same means: “By brute force and without strategy the Roman king prevailed, using the might of his veteran army alone.” (Livy 20). This overwhelm...
Guerber, H. A. Myths of Greece and Rome. New York: American Book Company. 1921. Print.
While the contributions of Romulus are often associated to violence and bloodshed, King Romulus is still reverently recalled by many of the citizens in Rome for forming the foundation of their city. Likewise, the achievements of Numa Pompilius are fondly recollected because they instil many of Rome’s domestic traditions and spiritual monuments in its early history. Without the contributions from King Romulus and King Numa Pompilius, who each giving the people of Rome something vital to refine and redevelop after their deaths, made it possible for Rome to become one of the most powerful and influential city in all of Italy.
She uses these stories to try and explain what the ideas, attitudes and beliefs are that make up the “Roman Way.” Summary The Roman Way is basically an informal history of Roman civilization as Edith Hamilton interprets the writings of the greatest literary figures from around the time of 200 B.C. to 100 A.D. Some of these writers include Cicero, with his vast assortment of letters; Catullus, the romantic poet; and Horace, the storyteller of an unkind and greedy Rome. They are three affluent white men from around the same period of time, although each of them had very different styles of writings and ideologies.
Roman mythology applies to the religious system, and origins of ancient Rome. These attributes are found through the art and literature that the Romans provide. Although, the Romans have supernatural elements they still proceeded to treat their traditional stories historically. The Romans focused on how a person contributes to the Roman community, and merely concentrate on politics and morality. Catholicism is one of the most common known religions. Catholicism focuses on the traditions, and values of the Christian churches. The two main things that differentiate Roman mythology, and modern day catholicism is their: beliefs and religion.
Tacitus. The Annals of Tacitus. Edited and annotated by Henry Furneaux. Oxford: Clarendon Press, 1907.
Dio, Cassius. "Roman History - Book 50." 17 June 2011. University of Chicago. 31 October 2011 .
Marcel Le Glay, Jean-Louis Voisin, Yann Le Bohec. A History of Rome. West Sussex, UK: Wiley-Blackwell, 2009.
Bravery, strength, and leadership are just a few of the characteristics possessed by Theseus of Greece and Romulus of Rome. Plutarch, a Greek historian, explains lives each of these men. These men were different from any of the other men during Ancient Greece and Rome; according to Plutarch, they were descendants of the divine, which ultimately destined them for greatness. Throughout their lives, they would achieve power through various events and establish the societies and politics of two the greatest cities in history. The paths that each took and the events that occurred in their lives molded them into the heroes while also contributing to the legacy they would leave behind.
Heichelheim, Fritz, Cedric A. Yeo, and Allen M. Ward. A History Of The Roman People. New Jersey: Prentice-Hall Inc., 1984.
The myth of Romulus and Remus, as well as the myth of Aeneas contribute to the emergence of Rome and its people. Romulus and Remus are credited with founding of the city of Rome itself, while Aeneas was credited with the founding of the Roman race (Ott, 105). The history of Rome cannot be told without both of these myths being a part of the story. Each has both similarities and vast differences to the other. When Gods are involved punishment and reward seem to go hand-in-hand.
Rome, even at its beginnings, proved to be a force to be reckoned with. It’s rapid growth and accumulation of power and repeated victories over powerful neighbors set Rome in a position of great authority and influence. As the leader of early Rome, Romulus’ effective command of his men and governance of his people provided the foundation for the building of a great city. Livy emphasizes Romulus’ possible divine origins and strong ties to deities as a validation and reinforcement of his ability to rule. A nation’s sole defense cannot be just bricks and mortar, it requires an army and a will and Romulus was able to successfully take action against the aggressors when action was needed.
Favro, Diane G.. The urban image of Augustan Rome. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 1996. (266)