Remus, a prominent figure in Greek mythology, is best known as one of the legendary founders of Rome. Born to a mortal mother, Rhea Silvia, and the god of war, Mars, Remus, along with his twin brother Romulus, played a significant role in the foundation of the great city.
The story of Remus begins with his birth, which is surrounded by tragedy and divine intervention. Rhea Silvia, a vestal virgin, was forced to become a priestess and remain celibate. However, she was seduced by Mars and became pregnant with twins. When their birth was discovered, the king, fearing the power of the god's offspring, ordered them to be killed. The twins were placed in a basket and left to the mercy of the Tiber River.
Fate intervened as the river carried the basket to safety, where it became stuck in the roots of a fig tree. The infants were discovered by a she-wolf who nursed and cared for them until they were found by a shepherd named Faustulus. Faustulus and his wife, Acca Larentia, raised the twins as their own, unaware of their divine lineage.
As Remus and Romulus grew older, they became natural leaders and protectors of the local shepherds and farmers. However, their true identities were eventually revealed when they encountered their grandfather, Numitor, who had been overthrown by his brother Amulius. With the help of their newfound allies, the twins successfully restored Numitor to the throne and sought to establish their own city.
A disagreement arose between Remus and Romulus over the ideal location for their new city. Remus favored the Aventine Hill, while Romulus preferred the Palatine Hill. To settle the dispute, they sought a divine sign, each looking for an omen from the gods. Remus claimed to have seen six vultures, while Romulus declared he saw twelve. Unable to resolve the conflict, they turned to divine intervention once more.
Romulus began to build a wall around his chosen hill, which infuriated Remus. In a fit of rage, Remus leaped over the incomplete wall, mocking his brother's efforts. This act of disrespect led to Romulus killing his twin brother, thus securing his position as the sole founder and ruler of Rome.
The tale of Remus in Greek mythology serves as a cautionary tale about the consequences of pride, rivalry, and divine intervention. It highlights the importance of compromise and unity in the face of adversity, as well as the complex interplay between mortals and gods in ancient mythology.
Remus, the twin brother of Romulus, played a significant role in the foundation of Rome according to Roman tradition. Although his life was marked by tragedy and conflict, his story remains an integral part of Greek mythology and the legendary history of Rome.