Roman Origins: Did Romulus Really Found Rome? (Video)
The legendary founding of Rome revolves around two key figures, Romulus and Aeneas, whose stories intertwine with myth, geology, and archaeology.
According to tradition, Romulus, saved by shepherds, established the city on the Palatine Hill, marked by the infamous "rape of the Sabine women" and the creation of the asylum on the Capitoline Hill.
Later, Aeneas, a survivor of Troy, played a vital role in Roman mythology. His journey led to the formation of alliances, wars, and the founding of Alba Longa, laying the groundwork for Rome's eventual birth.
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Geologically, Rome's landscape is shaped by volcanic material from eruptions in the Alban Hills, providing the hills where Romulus purportedly founded the city. Archaeological evidence further illuminates Rome's early history. Tombs and settlements dating back to the Bronze Age reveal the city's occupation and development. The Capitol Hill, Palatine Hill, and the Forum all bear traces of ancient habitation, with structures and necropolises dating from the 10th century BC to the 5th century BC.
In essence, Rome's foundation is a complex interplay of myth and tangible elements. The stories of Romulus and Aeneas, set against a backdrop of volcanic geology, find validation in ancient structures and burials, offering glimpses into the multifaceted origins of this iconic city.
Top image: Rome, Italy: The Roman Forum. Source: krivinis/Adobe Stock
