Story Summary
Explore the mysterious end of Rome's first king in The Death of Romulus. Was he taken by the gods or murdered? Discover the legend of his divine ascension.
After ruling Rome for thirty-seven years, Romulus, the city’s founder and first king, summoned his people to the Campus Martius near the Goat’s Marsh for a grand assembly. As he stood before the citizens, a sudden and violent storm erupted. Thick darkness swallowed the sun, and thunder shook the very foundations of the earth. When the tempest finally subsided and the light returned, the royal throne was empty; Romulus had vanished. While many commoners believed their king had been carried to heaven by his father, Mars, whispers grew among the elite that the senators, resentful of his power, had murdered him under the cover of the storm. These rumors threatened to tear the young city apart until a nobleman named Proculus Julius stepped forward. He swore an oath that Romulus had appeared to him in a vision, radiant and divine. The king had declared that the gods willed Rome to be the capital of the world and that he would henceforth watch over them as the god Quirinus. Peace was restored, and the legend of the immortal founder was etched into the Roman soul forever.
The Moral
Great leaders leave a legacy that transcends their physical presence, shaping the identity and destiny of their people for generations.
“Go, and tell the Romans that it is the will of heaven that my Rome shall be the capital of the world.”
Fun Fact
The Romans celebrated a festival called the Quirinalia on February 17th to honor Romulus in his divine form as the god Quirinus.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the moral of The Death of Romulus?
The moral is that the spirit and vision of a founder are more enduring than their physical life. It emphasizes that a nation's strength lies in its shared legends and the divine destiny its citizens believe in.
How did Romulus die according to legend?
According to the most popular legend, Romulus did not die a natural death but was swept up to heaven in a great storm. He was believed to have been transformed into the god Quirinus to protect Rome eternally.
Did the Senators kill Romulus?
While the official legend claims divine ascension, some ancient historians suggested that the Senators murdered Romulus during the storm. They were said to be unhappy with his increasingly autocratic rule and allegedly hid his body to avoid an uprising.
Who was Proculus Julius in the story?
Proculus Julius was a respected Roman citizen who calmed the mourning and suspicious public. He claimed that Romulus appeared to him in a divine vision, confirming his status as a god and his favor for the city of Rome.
What god did Romulus become?
Romulus became known as Quirinus, an early and important Roman god. As Quirinus, he represented the Roman state and its citizens in times of peace, forming a triad with Jupiter and Mars.
Where did the disappearance of Romulus take place?
The event occurred at the Campus Martius, specifically at a location known as the Palus Caprae, or the Goat's Marsh. This area was used for military exercises and public assemblies in ancient Rome.
