In the first chapter of Hughes’ book” Rome” he talked about the story of how Rome came to be. Romulus and Remus were born but because their mother was a vestal virgin they were thrown into the Tiber River. They were saved by a she-wolf who nursed them back to health. They were later raised by a herdsman into adulthood. The story goes on to tell about how Romulus founded Rome and killed his brother because apparently Remus didn’t like Romulus’ decision on where the city was placed. In my opinion that was not very nice of Romulus to kill his brother and Remus should have started his own city instead of complain. Clearly this story was embraced by everyone in Rome because the she-wolf and the babies’ statue was everywhere. The image was on man hole covers, trash cans, banners, etc. along with S.P.Q.R which means” Senatus Populusque Quiritum Romanorum” which means “The Senate and People of Roman citizens!”
This chapter was a good one to read because it gave me a little history into the story of Rome and how it came to be. I knew a little about ancient Rome from school and television shows, but that story was never talked about. We learned about Julius Cesar and the other Roman Emperors, but nothing about Romulus and Remus. I was pretty excited coming to Rome with that knowledge because I knew something that the Romans know. I want to go and research more into the story now that I am home.
Romulus and Remus and the She-wolf.
beetlesneeze 