Romulus and Remus

Episode Transcript

Speaker 1 (00:02):
Romulus and Remus, the fabled twin brothers of ancient Rome,
are pivotal figures in the rich tapestry of Roman mythology,
which narrates the dramatic and often tragic founding of the
city of Rome and the establishment of the Roman Kingdom
by Romulus. This tale is steeped in themes of faith, conflict,

(00:24):
and ambition, highlighted by the harrowing act of fratricide committed
by Romulus when he killed his brother Remus in a
dispute that has echoed through history. This vivid narrative has
enthralled audiences for millennia, and the striking imagery of a
she wolf nurturing the abandoned infants has emerged as an

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enduring emblem of both the city of Rome and its
ancient citizens, dating back at least to the third century BC,
although the events are believed to have transpired around seven
point fifty BC, prior to Rome's of official founding, The
earliest written records of this mythology can be traced back

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to the late third century BC, igniting continuous scholarly debate
regarding its historical authenticity and various interpretations. According to legend
Romulus and Remus were born to Rias Sylvia, a noble
woman of unmatched heritage, herself the daughter of Numator, the

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rightful king of the ancient city of all Theolanga. Rias Sylvia,
cherished for her divine descent, was a vestal virgin sworn
to a life of chastity. Her father, Numator, had been
usurped by his treacherous brother Amulus, who, fearful that raised
progeny might pose a threat to his rule, decreed that

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the twins must be disposed of for the safety of
his throne. The myth accounts that Ria Sylvia's miraculous conception
of the twins occurred through an encounter with Mars, the
formidable god of war, who visited her in a sacred grove,
a testament to her divine connection. To forward any potential

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challenge from the infants, the tyrant Emulus ordered them to
be drowned in the Tiber River. However, destiny intervened when
the trough containing the twins floated down the river currents, miraculously,
coming to rest near what would become the sacred site
of Rome, adjacent to the revered Picus room Unillus, a

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fig tree imbued with religious significance. In a stroke of fortune,
the twins were found and nourished by a she wolf,
whose instinctive maternal care proved crucial to their survival. Alongside her,
a woodpecker, a sacred animal to Mars, formed part of
their extraordinary tale. Once the twins were weaned, they were

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discovered by Fostulus, a simple but honorable shepherd, and his
divine voted wife Acca Laurentia. With unwavering love and guidance,
they raised Romulus and Remus to young adulthood, instilling in
them a sense of nobility and leadership that would ultimately
shape their destinies. Unbeknownst to them, the royal lineage running

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through their veins was poised to reveal itself, leading to
a series of dramatic events. As youth swept through their lives,
the brothers became embroiled in a critical clash between the
factions supporting Numator and those loyal to Amulus. In the
midst of this volatile atmosphere, Remus was captured and held

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prisoner in all Bolonga. Both his grandfather, the rightful King,
and the cunning Amulus recognized Remus's noble lineage Meanwhile, Romulus
orchestrated a daring rescue mission, rallying loyal supporters to challenge
Amulus's oppressive rain. In a breathtaking series of confrontations, the

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twins uncovered their true origins, united their efforts, and partnered
with Numator to reclaim the throne. Their victory over Amulus
restored Numator to power, who embraced his grandsons with joy
and gratitude. Following their grandfather's restoration, Romulus and Remus yearned

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to build a city that would embody their newfound sense
of purpose and legacy. Upon returning to the Seven Hills,
an area boasting fertile ground and rich potential for urban development,
the brothers found themselves at an impasse regarding the selection
of the site for their new city. Romulus championed the

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Palatine Hill, which rose dramatically above the surrounding landscape, while
Remus preferred the Avantine Hill, which presented a different perspective
of their burgeoning realm. Unable to negotiate a peaceful resolution,
they decided to look to the heavens for guidance through
the auspices of the gods via contest of Augury. In

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a moment infused with significance. Remus claimed to have witnessed
six auspicious birds, a sign of divine favor, while Romulus
insisted that twelve had appeared to him, thereby asserting that
the gods sided with him. Their disagreement escalated into deeper conflict,
culminating in Remus's mocking derision of Romulus's emerging city. In

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an inherently tragic twist, Remus met his demise, Whether at
the hands of Romulus or one of his fiercely loyal
supporters is still debated, marking a defining and sorrowful chapter
in their saga. With the death of his brother, Romulus
proceeded to establish the city of Rome, meticulously laying down

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its governmental structures, military foundations, religious institutions, and societal frameworks.
He would eventually reign for many prosperous years as the
city's first king, orchestrating the essence of Roman civilization. The
backdrop of this legendary tale is rich in intrigue, tracing

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its roots back to Numator's usurpation at the hands of
his ambitious sibling Amulus to eliminate any potential rivals to
his dominion. Amulus coerced Rhea into becoming a vestal virgin,
enforcing a vow of chastity that sought to thwart any
claimants to the lineage. Yet, against all odds, Rhea bore

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twins Romulus and Remus, whose paternity belonged to the powerful
god Mars. Amulus's scheme to have the infants drowned in
the Tiber misfired spectacularly as the troughs sailed downstream, ultimately
reaching the very site where the thriving city would rise.
Preserved by the hands of fate. The twin's formative years

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under the nurturing care of Fostulus and Acca Laurentia equipped
them with the qualities of remarkable leaders. Ultimately possessing a
resolute sense of destiny, they ignited a revolt against Amulus,
reclaiming their family's rightful legacy and paving the way for
a new and glorious settlement destined to honour their names

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and illuminate the annals of history.