Do you believe this?

Question

Archaeologists believe they have found the cave where, according to legend, a she-wolf nursed Rome's twin founders, Romulus and Remus. They say the cave, which is decorated with sea-shells, was discovered near the ruins of the palace of Emperor Augustus. They are reasonably certain that it is the place where, according to myth, Romulus and Remus, TWIN SONS OF THE GOD MARS, were abandoned in a cradle by the banks of the river Tiber where a wolf found them and fed them with her milk. They are said to have founded Rome at the site on April 21, 753 BC and ended up fighting over who should be in charge. Romulus killed Remus and became the first king of Rome. So, do you believe this is a mere myth and legend, or that Rome did start in this way?

http://uk.news.yahoo.com/itn/20071121/twl-sacred-cave-of-rome-s-founders-disco-41f21e0_1.html

To my mind, there is a little thing missing here. Actually, quite a lot. Sea-shells? Where did they come from? Unlikely that they would find them on a river bank. How were the twins educated? How did Romulus found Rome and become king?
Were there no other people around to have a say in the matter? If not, who built the city? Or did it start with just a couple of mud huts? Sorry, but the whole idea seems so ridiculous even by mythical proportions.

Answer 1

Considering Romulus and Remus never existed, I would say no. However, it could be the cave that whoever came up with the myth found.

Answer 2

Understand what the archaeologists are claiming. They are claiming that his *may* be the cave *designated by the Romans* as the one used by Romulus and Remus, and *later* *used* by Romans in religious celebrations related to that myth.

In other words, this is an ancient Roman religious tourist trap. A *well-known* ancient Roman religious tourist trap. The shells? Decorations added by the Romans, of course. You run into the same type of authoritative claims in the Holy Land - locations claiming to be the site of some famous biblical event, when in fact (in many cases) the only evidence of this is the claims of the owner of the location! The ancient Romans claimed that this was the cave of Romulus and Remus - but they had no evidence whatsoever that it actually *was* that cave.

As to the myth:
There is a recent (ca. 1900?) record in India of a pair of girls who were raised by wolves. These 2 displayed both physiological and mental disabilities. I believe that they were discovered at the age of about 11 and both died before they reached 20. However, there are several other accounts throughout history - some mythical, some less so - of wolves weaning human children. Romulus and Remus, for example, could have been discovered at an early enough age that the physical and mental disabilities would not have had time to take hold.

The story of Romulus and Remus
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Romulus
there are different accounts (I learned one different from this). As you can see, they were discovered after being weaned and raised by humans. They obtained the kingdom by regard for their military prowess (just as did the shepherd David in the bible).

Of course, the raising of these two by a wolf is a myth / legend which cannot be proven, but the remainder of the story certainly is one that can be found throughout history - the warrior who earns the respect of the population he rescues by his military prowess and is offered the kingdom because the king has died. There are several accounts of this in the bible alone, and historical legends of similar events abound in Western culture (British, Irish, Nordic, etc. etc.) This is no surprise really as, until relatively recent times, kings were expected to lead their troops into battle, and frequently died as a result!

Jim, http://www.life-after-harry-potter.com

Answer 3

All of it was and is a myth, I'm afraid. The story of Romulus and Remus was probably made up by some "wise men" who wanted to create a greater illusion about Rome and thus came these twins, fathered by Mars, raised by a she-wolf and founded Rome. To the ordinary people and especially to those non-Romans, this raised Rome's stature as the centre of the empire even higher.

Answer 4

To begin with, They were the founder of Rome and had to be glorified and reference to being fed by wolf is one way of saying how cunning, strong and fast they were.

Next, the archaeologist "Believe" that they found the cave where she wolf fed them. They did not "Prove" that it was that cave. This cave is roman, given that, it can be a place of worship based on how it is decorated etc. But the purpose of it can be proven only based on evidence which i am sure they will look for and get so that we all are enlightened.

Answer 5

There are stories even in more modern times of children growing up in the wild. When this is the case, they are not exposed to human language and culture. Yes, twins could have grown up in the wild, though I have real doubts about the wolf part. I also REALLY doubt whether they would have gone on to found Rome because they would have had no concept of what it takes to have a human civilization. The part about them being children of a god was probably just used to explain their survival.

Answer 6

There is always an element of truth from myth - the story may be true whereby Romulus killed Remus - BUT, c'mon - fed by a she wolf - really

Answer 7

Do yo have a link to the article? I'd have to read the full story before offering an opinion.

Answer 8

Yes, humans have been raised by animals and there has been documented evidence of it. I think it is possible, even probable that there is at least some truth in it.

Answer 9

No I think the Archaeologists had just had a rough nite on the bong and were not really thinking clearly

Answer 10

Must read more before offering an opinion.