RH 2/6

Aeneas and the Foundation of Rome

  • Aeneas' Lineage:

    • Aeneas' son with Lavinia is named Eulis or possibly Asenius.

    • He grows up to found a city in Alba Longa.

  • Connection to Roman Myths:

    • From Alba Longa, significant myths including those of Mars and Rhea Silvia emerge.

Numitor and Amulius

  • Kings of Alba Longa:

    • Numitor:

    • The rightful king, rules justly and maintains stability.

    • Amulius:

    • Numitor's brother, who desires the throne and overthrows Numitor.

    • He seeks to prevent Numitor’s lineage from reclaiming the throne by making Numitor’s daughter, Rhea Silvia, a Vestal Virgin, which prevents her from having children and thus eliminates threats to his kingship.

  • Vestal Virgins:

    • Rhea Silvia becomes a Vestal Virgin, tasked with tending to the sacred flame of Rome.

The Birth of Romulus and Remus

  • Rhea Silvia and Mars:

    • Despite her vow of chastity, Rhea Silvia is visited by Mars, the god of war, who impregnates her while she sleeps, leading to the birth of twins: Romulus and Remus.

  • Exile of the Twins:

    • Amulius discovers the twins' birth and orders them to be drowned in the Tiber River.

    • However, they are rescued by a shepherd who raises them.

The Rise of Romulus and Remus

  • Discovery of Heritage:

    • As young men, Romulus and Remus learn of their true identities and their grandfather Numitor’s plight.

    • They help restore Numitor to the throne, seeking their own power subsequently.

  • Quest for a New City:

    • Romulus and Remus decide to establish their own city.

    • Conflict arises due to their twin status, leading to a power struggle between them.

Augury and the Founding of Rome

  • Divination:

    • The twins seek augury (divination through the flight of birds) to determine who should rule.

    • Remus sees six birds, but Romulus sees twelve, claiming kingship based on the result.

  • Founding of Rome:

    • Romulus begins building the city of Rome, named after himself.

    • He faces teasing from Remus, leading to fratricide where Romulus kills Remus.

Early Rome and Its Inhabitants

  • Populating the City:

    • To populate Rome, Romulus invites criminals and outcasts to settle there but realizes the need for women.

    • He organizes the Sabine women abduction during a festival, marrying them to his men.

  • Conflict with the Sabines:

    • The Sabine men retaliate against Rome in an attempt to reclaim their captured women.

    • During the battle, the Sabine women intervene, advocating for peace between the two groups, which eventually leads to a resolution and their decision to stay with the Romans.

Women in Rome’s Foundation Myths

  • Role of Women:

    • Rhea Silvia gives birth to Rome’s first king.

    • The Sabine women play a pivotal role in achieving peace.

    • Contrarily, women who act immorally (like Tarpeia who betrays Rome) meet dire consequences.

Tarpeia and Tarpeian Rock

  • Tarpeia’s Betrayal:

    • She is killed for betraying her city by opening the gates during a Sabine attack, illustrating moral lessons on loyalty and justice in Rome.

  • Tarpeian Rock:

    • A cliff where traitors were executed, serving as a symbol of punishment for wrongdoing in Rome.

Transition from Monarchy to Republic

  • Monarchy’s Downfall:

    • The monarchy period comes to an end due to the actions of Lucretia, a model Roman woman who is violated, leading to her suicide.

    • The public outrage following her death instigates a revolt leading to the establishment of the Roman Republic.

  • Brutus and the Monarchy's End:

    • Brutus leads the charge against Tarquin the Proud, the last king, positioning himself as a symbol of liberty.

Kings of Rome

  • The Seven Kings:

    1. Romulus

    • Military founder, initiates city-building and governance.

    • Commits fratricide.

    1. Numa Pompilius

    • Peace, religion, establishes priesthoods and temples.

    • Founds the calendar system.

    1. Tullus Hostilius

    • Aggressive expansionist, seeks dominance over neighboring tribes, builds military infrastructure.

    1. Ancus Marcius

    • Expansionist campaigns, legal and diplomatic frameworks for warfare.

    • Proponent of just wars for justified military action.

    1. Tarquinius Priscus

    • Expansion of the Senate, military campaigns, begins construction of temples.

    1. Servius Tullius

    • Social and political reforms, develops the census and tribal distinctions, expansive urban projects.

    1. Tarquinius Superbus

    • Last king, known for tyranny, ultimately overthrown leading to the rise of the Republic.

Theories on Kingship and History

  • Historical vs. Mythical Perspectives:

    • Historians question the reality of the kings versus their archetypal representations in myths.

    • Kings viewed as archetypes embodying ideals of war, peace, and governance.

  • Significance of Augury:

    • Augury serves as a means of divine influence and decision-making affecting kings and governance.

  • Roman Values and Morality:

    • Myths reflect the Roman values with moral lessons embedded in the stories of individuals like Lucretia and women’s agency within foundational narratives of Rome.