Rome, Italy - Myths & Legends

Why You Should Visit Rome

Rome is a city that lives and breathes history, where every corner reveals layers of the past woven seamlessly into modern life. As the capital of Italy and the heart of the ancient Roman Empire, it offers an unparalleled blend of archaeological wonders, Renaissance art, vibrant street life, and world-class cuisine.

A visit to Rome is like stepping into a living museum. Iconic landmarks such as the Colosseum, Roman Forum, and Pantheon transport you back to the grandeur of ancient times. Walking through these ruins offers a powerful sense of connection to the past, where emperors once ruled and gladiators fought. Equally captivating are the city’s baroque masterpieces—the Trevi Fountain, Piazza Navona, and countless churches decorated with works by Caravaggio, Bernini, and Michelangelo.

No visit is complete without exploring Vatican City, the world’s smallest independent state and the spiritual centre of the Catholic Church. Inside its walls, you’ll find St Peter’s Basilica, the awe-inspiring Sistine Chapel, and the immense collections of the Vatican Museums.

But Rome isn’t just about history. Its bustling neighbourhoods—like Trastevere, Monti, and Campo de’ Fiori—offer authentic food, lively markets, and a glimpse of everyday Roman life. From sipping espresso in a sunlit piazza to enjoying a late-night gelato near the Spanish Steps, the simple pleasures of Rome are unforgettable.

With its timeless charm, artistic heritage, and vibrant energy, Rome is more than a destination—it’s an experience that captivates the senses and leaves a lasting impression. Whether it’s your first visit or your fifth, the Eternal City always has something new to offer. Time-Pressed Travel will craft your perfect Rome itinerary.

The Myth of the Founding of Rome

The story of Rome’s founding is one of the most famous legends in Western history—a tale rich with drama, symbolism, and the values that would come to define the Roman identity. Though historians agree that the real origins of Rome are more complex and far less romantic, the myth of Romulus and Remus has endured for over two thousand years as a powerful cultural narrative.

According to Roman mythology, the story begins with Numitor, the rightful king of the ancient city of Alba Longa, located in the Alban Hills southeast of where Rome would later rise. Numitor was overthrown by his brother Amulius, who seized the throne and sought to eliminate any potential heirs. To do this, he forced Numitor’s daughter, Rhea Silvia, to become a Vestal Virgin, a priestess sworn to celibacy. However, the god Mars—or, in some versions, an unnamed figure—intervened, and Rhea Silvia gave birth to twin sons: Romulus and Remus.

Fearing they could challenge his rule, Amulius ordered the infants to be thrown into the Tiber River. But fate had other plans. The basket carrying the twins floated safely downstream and came to rest near the Palatine Hill. There, in one of the most iconic scenes in Roman lore, the babies were discovered and suckled by a she-wolf in a cave known as the Lupercal. Eventually, a shepherd named Faustulus found them and, together with his wife, raised the boys as his own.

As Romulus and Remus grew, they became natural leaders and eventually learned of their royal heritage. They overthrew Amulius, restored Numitor to the throne, and decided to found a new city of their own on the banks of the Tiber. However, the two brothers could not agree on which hill to build their city—Romulus favoured the Palatine Hill, while Remus preferred the Aventine.

To resolve their dispute, they turned to a form of augury, a traditional Roman method of divining the will of the gods through the flight of birds. Each stood on their chosen hill to await an omen. Remus reportedly saw six birds first, but Romulus claimed to have seen twelve shortly afterwards. The disagreement escalated into violence. In the ensuing conflict, Romulus killed Remus, declaring that he would build his city alone. According to legend, this happened on 21 April 753 BCE, a date still celebrated as Rome’s birthday (Natale di Roma).

Romulus became the first king of the new city, which he named Rome, after himself. He went on to establish many of the social, political, and military institutions that would shape Roman civilisation.

While entirely mythical, the story of Romulus and Remus symbolised key Roman values: strength, destiny, sacrifice, and divine favour. It also served to justify Rome’s power and authority, casting its origins in the light of both tragedy and triumph. Even today, statues of the she-wolf and the twins remain enduring symbols of the Eternal City and its legendary beginnings.