Key Figures and Events in Roman Mythology and History

Romulus and Remus

Twin brothers raised by a she-wolf; Romulus killed Remus and founded Rome in 753 BC.

Odysseus (Ulysses)

Greek hero of the Odyssey; known for cleverness and his 10-year journey home from the Trojan War.

Julius Caesar

Roman general, consul, and dictator; crossed the Rubicon, conquered Gaul, and was assassinated in 44 BC.

Brutus and Cassius

Leaders of the plot to assassinate Julius Caesar on the Ides of March, 44 BC.

Hercules (Heracles)

Demigod hero famous for his strength and for completing 12 labors as punishment for killing his family.

12 Labors of Hercules

A series of impossible tasks (e.g. slay the Nemean lion, clean the Augean stables) completed as penance.

Eurystheus

The king who assigned Hercules the 12 labors; often cowardly and jealous of Hercules.

Delphic Oracle

A prophetic priestess at the Temple of Apollo in Delphi; consulted by Greeks and Romans for divine advice.

Tarquinius Superbus

The seventh and last king of Rome; overthrown in 509 BC, leading to the Roman Republic.

Gaul in Roman history

Region covering modern-day France and parts of neighboring countries; conquered by Caesar.

Rubicon

A river in northern Italy; Caesar's crossing in 49 BC was an act of war against Rome—'crossing the Rubicon' means passing a point of no return.