Rome was founded on the 21st April 2770 years ago. The myth tells that the twin brothers Romulus and Remus, sons of Rhea Silvia and the God Mars, were abandoned at birth on the river Tiber.
They were found and nurtured by a she-wolf on the Palatine hill until a shepherd called Faustolo adopted them as his children.
When they became adults they decided to establish a new city. Romulus wanted to found Rome on the Palatine hill whereas Remus on the Aventine Hill, which brings to the decision to refer to the divine profecy by watching the number of flying birds: the one who observed more birds had the right to found the new city.
Romulus observed more birds, traced the holy border and gave the city the name Roma, from Romulus. He also became the first king after killing his brother Remus, who had dared breaking the border bearing weapons.
The 21st of April was in ancient time the festivity of the Goddess Pales, protector of shepherds. The etimology of the word Palatine is also coming from the Goddess Pales. On the Palatine hill were also celebrated the Lupercalia, the festivity of the wolf, animal symbol of Rome.
Get your authorized guide to discover the ancient Rome!
