Founding of Rome facts for kids
The founding of Rome is a fascinating story, blending both real history and ancient myths. For a long time, people believed Rome was founded by a single event or person. However, experts now think it grew slowly over time.
Archaeological discoveries show that Rome began as several small villages on hilltops. These villages gradually joined together during the late Bronze Age or early Iron Age. People lived in the area where Rome now stands as early as 1600 BC. There's even some evidence on the Capitoline Hill from around 1700 BC. The valley that later became the Roman Forum had a burial ground by 1000 BC. These hilltop settlements likely came together to form a single city-state around the 8th century BC, similar to how ancient Greece was developing.
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The Mythical Founding of Rome
Roman myths tell a different, more dramatic story about how their city began. This popular legend says that Rome was founded by a hero named Romulus.
Romulus and Remus: The Twin Brothers
According to the myth, Romulus and his twin brother, Remus, were the sons of Mars, the god of war. Their mother was Rhea Silvia, a princess from the city of Alba Longa. She was a descendant of Aeneas, a famous hero from Troy.
When they were babies, Romulus and Remus were left to die in the Tiber River. But a kind she-wolf found them and fed them her milk. Later, a shepherd named Faustulus discovered the twins and raised them as his own sons.
As they grew up, Romulus and Remus learned about their royal background. They took revenge on their evil great-uncle, Amulius, who had taken over Alba Longa. They then helped their grandfather, Numitor, become king again.
A New City and a Tragic End
After restoring their grandfather to power, the brothers decided to build a new city. They chose a spot near the Tiber River, where they had been found by the she-wolf. However, they argued over where exactly to build the city and who would rule it.
During their quarrel, Romulus tragically killed Remus. After this sad event, Romulus went on to establish the city on the Palatine Hill. He named it Rome, after himself.
History vs. Myth
Most modern historians believe that the story of Romulus and Remus is a myth, not a true historical account. They don't think there was a single founder for Rome. Also, there's no real evidence connecting early Rome to the city of Alba Longa or the ancient city of Troy.
Despite this, the mythical story was very important to the Romans themselves. They celebrated the city's founding every year on April 21st during a festival called Parilia Festival. This day became even more important during the Roman Empire.
Ancient historians had different ideas about the exact year Rome was founded. The most commonly accepted date is 753 BC. This date is still used today as a starting point for counting years in some historical calendars, known as the AUC calendar era.
See also
In Spanish: Fundación de Roma para niños
