Romulus and Remus - Philosophical Concept | Alexandria
Romulus and Remus: More than just names in a history book, Romulus and Remus represent the mythical founders of Rome, their story a potent blend of fratricide, destiny, and the very birth of an empire. But is their tale a straightforward foundation myth, or does it conceal deeper truths about Roman identity and power?
The earliest literary reference to Romulus and Remus appears in Quintus Fabius Pictor's Annales, written around 200 BCE, centuries after the traditional founding of Rome in 753 BCE. Pictor's account, while foundational, is already shrouded in layers of legend. The Rome of this era was expanding, consolidating its power across the Italian peninsula. The burgeoning Republic needed a narrative, a compelling origin story, and the tale of Romulus and Remus, descendants of the Trojan hero Aeneas, provided just that, linking Rome to a glorious past.
Over time, the legend of Romulus and Remus has been molded and reinterpreted by figures such as Livy and Virgil, each shaping the narrative to resonate with the political and social climate of their times. The image of the she-wolf suckling the infant twins, a symbol of primal strength and maternal care, became iconic. Yet, beneath this familiar image lie unsettling questions: Why fratricide? What drove Romulus to kill his own brother? Was it a simple power struggle, or does it reflect something darker about the nature of power itself? The Etruscan influences upon early Roman culture, often downplayed, may hold further clues to the myth's origins and significance.
The legacy of Romulus and Remus persists today, their images adorning public spaces and their story inspiring countless works of art and literature. They symbolize not only the founding of a great civilization but also the inherent conflicts and struggles that lie at the heart of nation-building. As Rome continues to fascinate and influence, so too does the enigmatic story of Romulus and Remus, forever prompting us to consider: What truths—and what compromises—lie buried beneath the foundations of any great endeavor?