Romulus and Remus - The Legend of Rome
In Roman mythology, the story of Romulus and Remus tells how the ancient city of Rome was founded. The larger than life-sized bronze statue of the she-wolf suckling the twins, La Lupa Capitolina, has since become a symbol of Rome and is now one of the most recognisable icons of ancient mythology. There are many many replicas around the world, but the original sculpture is housed in the Palazzo dei Conservatori on the Campidoglio (one of the seven hills of Rome), Rome, Italy. As legend has it, Romulus and Remus were twin boys born to the princess Rhea Silvia and Mars, the fierce Roman god of war. Seeing the possible potential threat to his rule, the king ordered the boys to be killed, leaving them abandoned on the band of the River Tiber to die. The twins were found by a she-wolf, who cared for and protected them until they were found and adopted by Faustulus, a shepherd. They grew up unaware of their true identity, tending to flocks. As they grew older, the boys became natural leaders.