Romulus is a legendary figure in Roman mythology and the traditional founder of Rome (both the city and the civilization spawning from it), initiating the era known as The Roman Kingdom in central Italy. According to the legend, he and his twin brother Remus were born to Rhea Silvia, a Vestal Virgin.
They were abandoned as infants and left to die by the Tiber River. However, they were rescued and nursed by a she-wolf, which became an iconic symbol of Rome. A more "realistic" explanation about the she-wolf has been hypothesized from the figurative meaning of lupa in Latin Language, that is, a prostitute. One can see why art and interpretations of the myth tend to prefer the figure of the she-wolf.
As they grew older, Romulus and Remus decided to establish a city near the place where they had been found. The tradition says the date they did so was April 21, 753 BC. A dispute arose between them over the city's location, and Romulus eventually killed Remus. He went on to become the sole ruler and founder of Rome, which he named after himself.
Romulus is often portrayed as a strong and charismatic leader, credited with laying the foundations for the city's growth and development. He is said to have divided the population into different social classes, established a senate (which would survive well into both the Republic and the Empire), and organized a citizen militia.
Works featuring or referencing Romulus:
Films:
- Romulus and Remus, 1961 Italian-French film. Played by Steve Reeves, of Hercules fame.
- Romulus and the Sabines, 1961 Italian film. Played by Roger Moore.
- The First King: Birth of an Empire, 2019 Italian film. Played by Alessio Lapice.
Video Games:
- In Assassin's Creed: Brotherhood, the Followers of Romulus are minor enemies confronted by Ezio Auditore in early 16th century Rome in his quest to obtain the Armor of Brutus. They worship Romulus, use ancient ruins of the city as lairs and wear wolf pelts.
- In Fate/Grand Order, Romulus initially shows up as a Lancer-class Servant and is portrayed as a boisterously patriotic individual who is fond of constantly yelling out "ROMA!" as a battlecry. A more powerful incarnation of him, "Romulus-Quirinus" would later show up as the "Grand Lancer" servant that represents Romulus upon being deified as a Founder God by the Roman Empire.
