The Eternal City

On April 21, 753 BCE, according to tradition, the city of Rome was founded. This date, deeply entrenched in the fabric of Roman history, marks the beginning of a civilization that would eventually dominate the ancient world. The foundation of Rome is wrapped in a tapestry of myth and legend, primarily sourced from two seminal works: Livy’s History of Rome and Virgil’s Aeneid. These texts not only provide mythical narratives about Rome’s origins but also serve as vehicles for moral and civic instruction, deeply influencing the character and identity of Roman citizens during the Republic.

Livy, writing during the reign of Augustus Caesar, aimed to record the history of Rome from its mythical foundation up to his own time. In his work, the story of Romulus and Remus stands out as a foundational myth. According to Livy, these twin brothers were the sons of Rhea Silvia and Mars, the god of war. Abandoned at birth and raised by a she-wolf, the twins eventually founded a city on the site where they were saved. The story culminates in Romulus killing Remus in a dispute, thus becoming the first king of Rome.

Livy’s recounting of this tale is not merely historical; it is imbued with moral lessons about leadership, justice, and destiny. Through the dramatic events surrounding Romulus and Remus, Livy explores themes of legitimacy, the consequences of fraternal conflict, and the divine favor necessary for founding a city such as Rome.

Virgil’s Aeneid, composed as a national epic under Augustus, presents a different but complementary origin story for Rome. It connects Rome to the heroic narratives of the Trojan War, introducing Aeneas, a Trojan prince who survives the war and embarks on a destined journey to Italy. According to Virgil, Aeneas’s voyage was marked by divine interventions and destined struggles, reflecting his role as a proto-Roman hero embodying piety and duty (pietas).

The journey of Aeneas, his battles in Italy, and his ultimate success in laying the foundations for the city that would become Rome serve as allegories for Rome’s historical mission and the virtues expected of its citizens. Virgil’s work not only links Rome to the ancient and venerable traditions of the Trojans but also integrates the concepts of fate and divine will into the Roman identity.

The stories of Livy and Virgil, while mythological, played crucial roles in shaping the Roman self-image. These narratives provided Romans with a sense of divine destiny and moral superiority that justified their imperial rule. The virtues of bravery, sacrifice, and leadership depicted in these tales were integral to the Roman identity, fostering a sense of continuity and purpose among its citizens.

The emphasis on divine favor and heroism in these texts also reinforced the authority of the ruling classes, aligning their leadership with the will of the gods. This alignment was crucial in maintaining social order and justifying political power, particularly during the early Republic and the transition to Imperial rule under Augustus.

Though not historically accurate, the mythological stories surrounding the founding of Rome by figures like Livy and Virgil are indispensable in understanding the ancient Roman worldview. These narratives provided not just entertainment but also moral guidance and a framework for understanding the Roman conception of law, governance, and civic duty. Through these myths, the character of the Roman citizen—disciplined, pious, and committed to the commonwealth—was molded. As such, the founding myths of Rome go beyond mere folklore; they are foundational to the ethos of one of history’s greatest empires.