Archaeologists in Rome have recently discovered an ancient shrine dedicated to Romulus, who was believed to be the mythical founder of the city. By Tanvi Jain
The famous archaeological sites of Rome now have another addition to the list as archaeologists have recently discovered an ancient Roman shrine dedicated to the city’s mythical founder Romulus, believed to have underneath the site of the Roman Forum, a political hub in those days.
As per the Colosseum Archaeological Park, the place which has been rediscovered after thousands of years could possibly belong to the sixth century BC. The cenotaph of Romulus, considered the first mythical King of Rome, has been set in the most ancient part of the city, and has been mentioned in the historical texts as well.
The shrine, which was buried under the entrance of the Curia, once used to be the meeting place for Roman senators, but was later converted into a church, in order to save it from being dismantled.
The Colosseum Archaeological Park has described the chamber as Romulus’ tomb. On the inside, it’s home to treasures like a tuff, around 1.4-metres-long sarcophagus, and something believed to be an altar.
Rome’s Mayor Virginia Raggi also tweeted saying, “It amazes us with its treasures. Inside the Roman Forum new exciting archaeological discovery: a hypogeum with a tuff sarcophagus from the 6th century BC. Thanks to a team of scholars who conducted the research.”
Romulus is said to have set out an area around Palatine Hill to mark the city’s boundary. As per the Roman mythology, it is believed that Romulus and Remus’ grand-uncle Amulius had displaced their grandfather — King Numitor of Alba Longa. But seeing the twins as threat to this throne, Amulius ordered his servants to throw them in River Tiber. However, the servants left them on the riverbank where they were found and raised by a wolf. They were later adopted by a shepherd, and grew up to join forces with their grandfather in order to overthrow Amulius and restore him to the throne. However, after finding Rome in 735 BC, Romulus killed his brother in fight over the location of the newfound city.
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