Romulus: The Legend of Rome's Founding Father

Romulus stands at the boundary between Roman myth and early history: founder of the city, first king of Rome and central figure in the stories through which Romans explained their origins. Marc Hyden retells and examines the traditions surrounding Romulus, from the birth and survival of the twins Romulus and Remus to the foundation of Rome, the first conflicts of the new community and Romulus’ mysterious disappearance.

Drawing on the ancient literary accounts, the book considers what these stories reveal about Roman ideas of kingship, warfare, citizenship and identity while distinguishing the legendary tradition from what can be approached historically. It offers an accessible study of Rome’s founding hero and of the myths that later Romans used to understand the beginnings of their city.