Question: In Roman mythology, what are the names of the twin brothers whose story tells the events leading to the founding of Rome?
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Romulus and Remus.
In Roman mythology, the twin brothers who play a central role in the events leading to the founding of Rome are Romulus and Remus. Their story is a rich tapestry of divine intervention, royal intrigue, and fraternal conflict.
According to legend, Romulus and Remus were the sons of Rhea Silvia, a Vestal Virgin, and Mars, the god of war. As infants, they were ordered to be killed by their great-uncle Amulius, who had usurped their grandfather Numitor’s throne in Alba Longa. In an act of mercy, they were set adrift on the River Tiber in a basket. The river carried the twins to safety, where they were discovered by a she-wolf (or a shepherd’s wife, depending on the version), who suckled them.
Raised by a shepherd, the twins grew strong and courageous. Upon learning of their royal lineage, they killed Amulius, reinstated Numitor as king, and set out to build their own city.
However, a disagreement arose over the location of their proposed city. Romulus favored the Palatine Hill, while Remus preferred the Aventine Hill. The dispute escalated, culminating in Romulus killing Remus, a grim event that left Romulus as the sole founder of the new city, which he named Rome after himself.
Thus, the tale of Romulus and Remus, imbued with themes of survival, destiny, and rivalry, is forever linked with the founding of one of history’s greatest civilizations, ancient Rome.
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