Ross King

For centuries, the tale of Romulus and Remus — twins abandoned at birth, nursed by a she-wolf, and fated to found the city of Rome in 753 BCE — has captured the imagination of historians and storytellers alike. But how much of this legend is true? And what does archaeology reveal about the real origins of Rome?
In this lecture, we will explore the fascinating world of 8th-century BCE Italy, separating fact from fiction in Rome’s foundation story. We will uncover the widespread folktale traditions that shaped the Romulus myth, examine how and why this particular version of events took hold, and compare it with the archaeological evidence of early settlements in the area. Beyond the legend, we will also see how Rome’s true origins — steeped in migration, warfare and pragmatic state-building — offer a deeper understanding of what made the city so successful. We will see Rome’s birth in a whole new light — as a testament to human ingenuity, adaptation and the power of myth to shape history.