Romulus and Remus and Why Rome is the True "City of Love"

Paris is commonly known as the ‘City of Love.’ Now, it may seem strange to mention this city to the West when writing a blog about Rome. However, it is undeniable fact that no writing, speech, or even this blog can be complete in giving an honest account of the city of Rome without mentioning that of its origins. And it is because of this story of the founding of Rome that this city holds just claims to being called the ‘True City of Love.’ For Love is in its very blood.

Echoes to this familial tie will often be seen every day by the average Roman and even tourist. Whether it be on the logo of the A.S. Roma soccer team, the statue depicted in this picture, or even on some trash bins, the famous image of the founders of Rome suckling a she wolf remains a constant reminder to the cities affiliation with Love.

For, as mentioned most vividly in the first book of Livy’s Ab Urbe Condita, the story of Rome stems from the warrior Aeneas. Following the Trojan war, Livy writes, “Aeneas, driven from home by a similar misfortune, but guided by fate to undertakings of greater consequence, came first to Macedonia; thence was carried, in his quest of a place of settlement, to Sicily; and from Sicily laid his course towards the land of Laurentum.” Here Roman historian recalls the father of these two twins who found himself close to Rome. This story of the geneology of the city is still told to this day in Italy and even around the world. However, what is often forgotten what happened before this man became fled from a burning Troy to the Italian countryside, namely the question of his parents. For Aeneas beyond being the father of Romulus and Remus, he himself stems from prince Achises and maybe even more importantly Venus, the goddess of love. It is for this very reason that Rome ought to be considered the true ‘City of Love.’ Rather than simply being a moniker bequeathed upon herself, Rome claims it by birthright and proudly displays it through her wolf and twins wherever possible.

Sources:

http://erenow.com/ancient/spqr1stedition/3.html

Livy, Livy Book 1 (1-17) Ab Urbe Condita