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The Founding of Rome. Fact vs. Myth. Aeneas. Ancient Romans liked to trace their roots to a famous Trojan prince, Aeneas. The myth teaches that Aeneas was directed by the gods to travel west after Troy fell. Aeneas is said to have lead a few remaining Trojans to safety this way. The Latins.
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The Founding of Rome Fact vs. Myth
Aeneas • Ancient Romans liked to trace their roots to a famous Trojan prince, Aeneas. • The myth teaches that Aeneas was directed by the gods to travel west after Troy fell. • Aeneas is said to have lead a few remaining Trojans to safety this way.
The Latins • When Aeneas and his followers arrived in modern-day Italy they encountered a group called the Latins. • The two groups intermarried and lived in harmony.
Rhea Silvia • Around 800 BC, a Latin princess, Rhea Silvia, is said to have given birth to twins fathered by the god Mars. • This princess had taken a vow as a priestess and was forbidden to marry or have children. • As punishment for breaking her vow, the twins were taken from her and left to die.
The Twins • The newborn twins, Romulus and Remus, were thrown into the Tiber River. • Luckily, the babies were rescued by a she-wolf. The she-wolf raised them as her own. • One form of the myth also says a woodpecker helped to feed the twins.
Rescue by Shepherd • The she-wolf was later killed by a shepherd. • Fortunately, the shepherd found the babies and took them home to his wife.
Romulus and Remus • As adults, Romulus and Remus decided to build a city on the Tiber River. • They fought over who should rule the city. After a lot of arguing, they decided to let the gods choose between them. • They each stood atop a hill waiting for a sign. The gods sent 12 vultures over Palatine where Romulus stood.
Romulus is King • Romulus claimed he had been chosen king. • Remus wasn’t happy with this. The brothers fought and Romulus killed Remus. • Romulus became king of the new city which he named Rome (after himself).
The Historical Findings • Archeologists know that people with iron weapons began invading the Mediterranean lands around 1200 BC. • One group, called the Latins, did live on Palatine. • By 776 BC, Palatine was a farming village of about 1,000 people.
Etruscans • A people called the Etruscans settled near Palatine in about 800 BC. • By 600 BC, the Etruscans had conquered all of northern Italy (including the Latins). • The Etruscans were an advanced civilization. Their kings ruled Rome for more than 200 years.