Which pair is traditionally considered the founders of Rome?

• A. Aeneas
• B. Julius Caesar
• C. Romulus and Remus
• D. Brutus and Cassius

Answer: (C)

Founding myths and the origin of Rome are anchored in Romulus and Remus. According to the traditional legend, they are twin sons of Mars who were abandoned and raised by a she-wolf, and as adults they decide to establish a city on the site where they survived. A dispute leads Romulus to kill Remus, and Romulus then founds Rome on the Palatine Hill, giving the city its name. This narrative makes Romulus and Remus the longstanding, recognizable founders of Rome in the mythic tradition. Aeneas, while connected to Rome’s royal and civic ancestry in later literature, is not depicted as the city’s founder. Julius Caesar and Brutus and Cassius are figures from Rome’s later historical period, involved in politics and assassination rather than founding the city. So Romulus and Remus are the traditional founders in the standard lore.