Roman Mythology: 20 Fascinating Ancient Roman Myths
If you want to delve into the world of history, myths and ancient gods, then you must have previously read our article on Greek mythology where we travelled through the heroes, gods and their legendary stories. Now is the time to step towards Roman mythology! In this article, we will explore 20 fascinating ancient Roman myths which are not just stories but a window to understand Roman culture, Roman gods, their rituals, beliefs and life. In every story, you will find adventure, drama, emotions and powerful lessons – some myths about love and betrayal, some about bravery and sacrifice, and some about supernatural powers. So let’s get ready for an epic journey where we will uncover the secrets of ancient myths, Roman legends, mythological stories, and Roman mythology facts.
What is Roman Mythology?
Roman mythology is a collection of old stories, beliefs and rituals that ancient Romans created about their Roman gods, heroes and supernatural powers. These Roman myths weren’t just for entertainment – these myths taught people how the world was created, how to interpret the forces of nature, and how to view important aspects of life such as love, war, duty, sacrifice and power.
According to Roman mythology facts, gods like Jupiter, Mars, Venus, and Saturn symbolized different forces – some were gods of war, some of love and beauty, some of harvest and time. In these mythological stories, gods have emotions like humans – jealousy, ambition, compassion, everything is shown. That is why ancient Roman myths are not just stories but a powerful tool to understand human emotions, relationships and society.
Even today, the influence of Roman legends, mythological stories and Roman culture is clearly seen in modern movies, books, art and games. These stories give us an exciting experience to understand our past, to explore it for mythology lovers and to know the deeper meanings of history
Greek vs Roman Mythology
Greek mythology and Roman mythology are often discussed together, but apart from some similarities there are important differences too. Both explain the myths, gods and stories of ancient civilizations, but there are subtle differences in their thinking, rituals and culture.
1. Difference in Names and Roles of Gods
In Greek mythology gods like Zeus, Hera, Ares, Aphrodite were important, while in Roman mythology those gods were given different names – Jupiter, Juno, Mars, Venus. Powers are similar in both, but in the Roman version their roles are explained in terms of practical and social rules. That is why Roman gods appear more structured and disciplined, while Greek mythology highlights emotions and personal conflicts more.
2. Difference in Focus and Themes
Greek myths are more based on imagination, poetry and emotions – the focus is on love, jealousy, betrayal and personal destiny. Whereas Roman mythology facts emphasize duty, loyalty, governance and public welfare. Roman myths were created to teach discipline and moral values to their society, while Greek stories explore individual struggles.
3. Storytelling Style
Greek stories are quite dramatic, colorful and symbolic, where personal relationships and emotions between gods are shown in detail. Roman myths are more straightforward and organized, where the purpose of myths is to guide society. If you explore ancient myths, Greek stories will take you into a creative and imaginative world, while Roman legends will show you real-life challenges and leadership lessons.
4. Impact of Society and Culture
Greek mythology influenced art, literature, and philosophy more, while Roman mythology shaped politics, law, and military discipline. Roman myths were used in public festivals, rituals, and governance, while Greek myths were more prominent in temples and poetry. Both mythological stories inspired modern culture, but in different ways.
5. Relevance in today’s time
Even today Greek mythology is more popular in movies, books, and creative arts, while Roman mythology facts are studied to understand leadership, strategy and history. Both have their own charm – if you are a mythology lover then you can enrich your knowledge and imagination by exploring both
Roman Gods – Deep Dive into Ancient Legends
Jupiter – The Sky God and Protector of Rome
Jupiter was the most powerful god in the world of Roman mythology. Sky-god and protector, Romans believed he protected life and the state. Military leaders would pay respect to Jupiter by visiting his temple after their victory, a ritual-like practice.
Juno – Guardian of Women
Juno, Jupiter’s wife and sister, kept an eye on women and every aspect of their lives. Much like the Greek goddess Hera, Juno focused on the protection and well-being of women.
Minerva – Goddess of Wisdom and Craft
Minerva was the goddess of wisdom and craft. Artisans such as schoolchildren, carpenters and stonemasons were her guardians. It is also connected to the Greek goddess Athena – both were protectresses of wisdom and learning.
Other Major Gods in Roman Mythology- There were many other gods and goddesses in Roman mythology, which were inspired by Greek culture:
Venus – Goddess of love, inspired by Aphrodite
Neptune – Sea god, inspired by Poseidon
Pluto – Ruler of the underworld, Roman version of Hades
Diana – Goddess of the hunt, counterpart of Artemis
Mars – God of war, inspired by Ares
These gods not only shaped Roman society, but also inspired later civilizations. This is why many planets in our solar system are named after Roman gods.
The Legend of the Twins
King Amulius threw the twins into the Tiber River to punish Rhea Silvia for breaking her vow. But a mother wolf saved him and raised him. Later a local couple adopted him. As they grew up, they made their own place in the community and established a new city by defeating Amulius. But in the fight over the name of the city, Romulus killed his brother Remus and named the city Rome (Roma).
Gods and Daily Life in Rome
In Roman mythology, gods and goddesses were present everywhere. Romans built temples, celebrated festivals, and followed rituals to keep the gods happy. The gods were blamed or given credit for favorable or unfavorable events. The Romans focused not on morality but on the accuracy of ritual and tribute.
Legacy of Roman Gods Today
We still find traces of them – carvings of Janus, statues of Neptune that gush water from fountains, and ancient art. The stories of Roman mythology give us insights into Roman life 2,700 years ago – a unique perspective to understand their beliefs, culture, and devotion.
Roman Mythology: 20 Fascinating Ancient Roman Myths
The world of Roman mythology is full of adventure, love, revenge and divine powers. These 20 famous ancient Roman myths not only entertain us as stories but also serve as a means of understanding human emotions, culture and society. Every myth has elements of heroism, morality and divine influence. Let’s get started.
1. Janus – God of Beginning and End
Janus is a god who is different from all others. He has two faces – one looks towards the future and the other towards the past. These two faces are not just symbolic, they show how the Romans looked at life and time. Janus is the god of every beginning, every end, and every transition. New year, new beginning, journey or journey – everything was in the eyes of Janus.
It is said that Janus was a mortal earlier, but became a god due to his understanding and wisdom. In Latium, the region which later became Rome, he made laws and regulations for humans and won everyone’s respect. There is an interesting story when Janus met Saturnus, who was previously the god of agriculture but had been thrashed by Jupiter. Janus offered him to rule together. For this generosity, Saturnus brought a Golden Age to the whole region and gave Janus a special gift – the power to see both the past and the future.
The connection between Janus and Rome was also quite deep. The Arch of Janus, which today is mostly in ruins, was a symbol of his importance. Every gate, every door, every passage was under his protection – as if he had an eye on every new phase of life.
The most interesting thing is that Janus is a real Roman god, not adopted from Greek mythology. He is the symbol of Rome’s identity, wisdom and order. Before every beginning or every decision, the Romans remembered Janus, and this lesson is relevant even today: in life, learn from the past and plan for the future.
2. The Tale of Aeneas – From Troy to Italy
In the world of Roman mythology, the story of Aeneas is one such story that shows a perfect blend of bravery, duty, and divine guidance. The story begins after the Trojan War, when Troy was destroyed and Aeneas had an important mission: to go to Italy and establish a new city, which would later become Rome.
Aeneas’ journey was not at all easy. According to Roman mythology, challenges awaited him at every turn—stormy seas, dangerous monsters, and sometimes even betrayal. But amidst all these difficulties, Aeneas’ courage and determination became his true identity. Every challenge strengthened his strength and defined his heroism. This hero puts his personal comfort aside and follows his duty and destiny, which teaches us a timeless lesson of Roman mythology: sometimes it is necessary to make sacrifices to achieve big goals.
The most interesting part of this journey is that divine intervention is always there. Gods like Jupiter and Venus sometimes guide and sometimes challenge. It highlights the classic element of Roman mythology: the perfect balance of destiny and human effort. Aeneas shows us that important moments in history can be shaped with bravery, loyalty and perseverance.
The story of Aeneas is not just an adventure, it is an inspiration—a reminder that if we stand firm on our duty and values amidst challenges, we can create our own destiny. This story is a cinematic and motivational journey for every Roman mythology lover, where courage and divine guidance meet.
3. The Rape of Lucretia
In the world of Roman mythology, the story of Lucretia is one such story that is full of emotions and impact, and shows how honor, courage and justice can change a society. Lucretia was a respected and virtuous Roman woman, whom the whole city admired for her integrity and character. But a royal prince harmed her, and this incident not only took her life but also shook the entire Roman society and inspired them to take action.
Lucretia did not despair, but stood with her principles and dignity. Her bravery motivated Roman citizens to stand up against the corrupt monarchy and establish a democratic system. This story teaches us that the courage of one person can change the entire history.
Another important lesson of this story is that Roman myths are not just limited to the adventures of gods and heroes. They also give us lessons on human values, ethics and moral strength. The example of Lucretia is perfect to show that the impact of personal integrity and bravery can be passed on to generations.
4. The Story of Hercules
The story of Hercules is a perfect example of strength and redemption. This hero was not only physically strong, but his journey also teaches us timeless lessons of courage, perseverance and moral responsibility.
Hercules had to face many challenges in his life. According to Roman myths, he completed 12 labors because of his mistakes and impulsive nature—these tasks were so difficult and dangerous that each one tested his bravery and intelligence. This story teaches us that redemption is possible even after mistakes, all that is required is courage and self-discipline.
With every labor, Hercules not only proved his strength but also showed moral courage and determination. This story gives a strong message in Roman mythology: hardships and failures are always inevitable, but facing them and taking responsibility for your mistakes is the true meaning of heroism.
Another lesson of this story is that true strength comes not just from physical power but from upholding your values and responsibilities. The story of Hercules inspires us that every human being can face life’s biggest challenges with his courage and determination.
5. Numa Pompilius and Egeria – Wisdom, Love, and Divine Guidance
Roman Mythology is generally filled with stories of war and battles—it is also about wisdom, love, and divine influence in a more understated way. One of the most fascinating stories is that of Numa Pompilius (the second king of Rome) and the nymph Egeria.
Numa was not a warrior, he was a philosopher and an observer. He loved walking around the forests near Rome and thinking about how to bring peace, order, and good laws to Rome. One day, while he walked alone in the stillness of the woods, he met Egeria, a nymph residing under the trees near springs. The two became friends, and much like a divine advisor, Egeria imparted divine wisdom and direction.
Numa reorganized Rome with Egeria’s aide. He was able to provide reforms that would impact Rome for centuries to come. He delineated religious rituals, ordered laws that honored the gods, and fashioned the Roman calendar. Their bond signifies the importance of knowledge in Roman Mythology and demonstrates the usefulness of combining efforts in the spiritual pursuits of people and their gods—not only as mortals trying to connect with divine beings but also as divinity learning about and training mortals.
After Numa reach old age and died, legend has it that Egeria cried so much over him that she turned into a spring. That spring still flows near the Appian Way today to remind people of such an amazing relationship.
6. The Tale of Horatii and Curiatii Brothers: War, Mortality, and Tragedy
The story of the Horatii and Curiatii is a particularly riveting example. When King Tullo Ostilio ruled over Rome, Rome was at war with the city of Alba. Instead of fighting a conventional battle, the two sides agreed to have champions fight for them. Each side would send three brothers to face off against each other as champions. The outcome was winner take all.
The early victors in this conflict were not the Romans. All but one of the Horatii brothers were eliminated from the competition. So at this point in the conflict, the last brother fought against all three of the Curiatii brothers. The last Horatii brother, although at a huge disadvantage, showed bravery and cunning, and he slowly but surely overcame all three brothers before he secured victory for Rome.
This, however is where the tragedy emerges. The sister of the Horatii’s was notably betrothed to one of the Curiatii brothers, and upon seeing him dead, the sister cried aloud in wail. In brutal response to her lament, and in a female failure to honor the victory of Rome, the last Horatii brother murdered his own sister. He was put on trial – but the people of Rome acted in favor of him – stating that his murder of her> for the good of Rome.
7. Horatius Cocles – The Man Who Stood in the Gap
Some fantastic stories of heroism, and Horatius Cocles is arguably one of the greatest. Once upon a time in Rome, the Romans were facing invasion from an Etruscan army led by their king, Porsenna. The Etruscan army was marching straight for the city, and hope was fading fast.
Horatius was a Roman officer, and as he found himself at the Sublician Bridge, the only route into the city. The other Romans had already fled, but Horatius decided that he would be the one person to stay behind, and he would stand alone and hold the bridge, which would provide time for the other Romans to flee and prepare.
As he stood at the edge of the bridge, the raging river below the bridge and Etruscans surrounding him, Horatius fought gallantly in spite of the odds with them greatly against him. He held off the Etruscans long enough that the Romans behind him were able to destroy the bridge behind him. Ultimately, he leaped into the river and swam to safety, battered but undefeated.
This story is a part of Roman Mythology because it demonstrates courage, selflessness, and loyalty to a community. As the story goes, one man’s courage at the right time can change the course of human history.
8. Gaius Mucius Scaevola – Courage that burned for Rome
Roman mythology is filled with multiple tales of bravery. You’ve got the bravery of soldiers without fear in their hearts, you have got the courage of strong leaders, and you have stories that encapsulate both. The legend of Gaius Mucius Scaevola is one that captures the essence of bravery, courage and loyalty.
Rome was involved in warfare against the Etruscans, under the rule of King Porsenna, who had moved into the city. Mucius, a young nobleman of Rome, wanted to take action. He decided to sneak into the Etruscan camp under the veil of darkness with an audacious plan; kill the King Porsenna and save Rome. However, things did not go as planned when he ended up killing the scribe of the king instead. After being captured and brought before Porsenna, Mucius could have begged for mercy and pleaded for his life, but he did something extraordinary. Mucius thrust his right hand into a fire and held it to prove to Porsenna the amount of loyalty he had to Rome.
Porsenna was astonished. He immediately knew that this was no ordinary man, one who would feel sorry for himself. Mucius then proceeded to tell Porsenna that he was only the first of 300 Romans who were prepared to fight and die for their beloved city.
9. Clelia – Crossing the Tiber When You Are Brave
If you ever wondered whether courage applies to women, look no further than a story in Roman Mythology about courage. During the war between Rome and Etruries, there were peace negotiations, and as part of that negotiation, hostages were to be given to Porsenna, King of Etruries. The hostages were nine young girls, all Roman. One of those girls was Clelia, a girl full of guts and a heart full of courage.
Rather than sit and wait for her fate, Clelia decided to lead and took action. One night, Clelia lead the girls to make an escape that involved swimming across the Tiber River to get back to Rome. The water was cold, it was a swift river, and they were being pursued by the enemy; these elements did not matter to Clelia. The Etruscans were inspired by her courage and ultimately caught her, and when they did, she didn’t beg for mercy and she didn’t plead. Instead, she openly spoke of her actions and her leadership and warned King Porsenna that if needed, she would try it again.
Porsenna was impressed. Clelia’s sheer courage and resilience earned her and the other girls their freedom, and they returned to Rome safely. This story represents an epic example for Roman Mythology of how you can beat the odds if you put your mind to it!
10. The Rape of the Sabine Women – Chaos, Courage, and Clever Moves
Rome is brand new. Exciting, right? But… there’s one huge problem—almost no women in the city. And we all know, no women, no future. The Romans needed a solution, and fast.
First, they tried asking politely.
“Hey, Sabines, can you send some of your women over?” The Sabines were like, “Uh… no.” So the Romans went full-on clever—but a little sneaky. They invited the Sabines to a festival, all fun and games, supposedly to celebrate some religious rituals. But instead of a party, the Romans grabbed the women! Wild, right?
Totally shocking by today’s standards, but this was ancient mythology.
Naturally, the Sabines went mad. Their king, Titus Tatius, marched to Rome with his army to get their women back. And here’s where it gets really interesting—the women themselves stepped in. Not with swords or shields, but with words. They begged both sides to stop fighting, saying, “Come on, we’re all family here!” And it worked. The war ended, the women stayed in Rome, and the two groups came together to form a united city.
What’s amazing about this story is that the women became the heroes. They changed history not by fighting, but by taking a stand and speaking up. That’s Roman Mythology for you—full of drama, clever moves, and lessons hidden in wild, larger-than-life stories.
11. The Legend of Tarpea, Treachery and the Costs of Greed
Here is a tale from Roman Mythology that is dramatic, tragic and somewhat resembles a cautionary tale. Tarpea was a young Roman woman, and the daughter of Spurius Tarpeius, the guardian of Capitoline Hill. Tarpea had everything going for her; she was high status, beautiful and influential. But like many myths, her moral compass faltered when faced with temptation.
When the Sabines attacked Rome, prompted by the now famous incident of abduction, they promised Tarpea riches if she aided them. And she did! She betrayed her city and opened the gates to the enemy. This is a story of choosing greed over loyalty.
But mythology doesn’t let anyone forget the consequences of their actions. Tarpea didn’t live long to enjoy her reward. The Sabines killed her brutally by slamming her with their shields and tossing her over the Capitoline Rock. That rock is still known as Rupe Tarpea today, a lasting reminder of loyalty gone wrong.
This myth is more than a dramatic tale; it operates as a lesson: choices have consequences. Rome was full of myths where small choices, especially those that are greed or self-indulgence fueled, had large ramifications. But also, it is an entertaining tale of suspense and the emotional side of humanity.
12. Lucretia – Honor, Tragedy, and the Birth of the Republic
Roman Mythology is not only about violence and warfare and fighting and heroes, but also often about morality and honor and circumstances that shape history. The story of Lucretia is one of the strongest stories.
Lucretia, a Roman matron who was known for her beauty and virtue. Lucretia was married, and was also loyal to her husband, Collatinus, but her life took a tragic turn when Sextus Tarquinius, the son of the last king of Rome, Tarquinius Superbus, committed attempted to seduce her, and upon her refusal, violently violated her.
Devastated and horrified with what had happened, Lucretia told her husband and her father, and she then took her own life in order to protect her honor. Her death ignited outrage. With the people of Rome led by Collatinus and Junius Brutus, helped to rise up against the Tarquins, overthrow the monarchy, and create the Roman Republic. The tragedy of Lucretia is not just a personal tragedy but now serves as a political symbol of virtue and justice in Roman Mythology and the birth of a political movement.
13. Proposition of Tiber Island - A Fabled Emergence from the River
Here is one of those interesting stories from Roman Mythology that combines history, legend and a hint of sorcery. After the fall of the last king of Rome, Tarquinius Superbus to the republic, Rome underwent a major transition. As a symbolic celebration of their victory and to rid the city of the last king’s belongings, the Romans tossed all the king’s possessions (bales of hay, furniture, etc…) into the Tiber River.
Here’s where the legend takes flight. Instead of the river simply swallowing the possessions of the king, the river actually built upon them. Over time, the material that was tossed into the river piled up and became a small island in the middle of the Tiber. From this became what we now call Tiber Island, an important geographical landmark in the heart of Rome. According to Roman Mythology, the island is not simply a pile of hay, but it resonates with the essence of the resolve of the Romans and how life comes out of chaos.
As history progressed, the Romans eventually built temples and other landmarks on the island, making it a major place for trade, worship and community. The pile of rubbish from a fallen king became one of the most iconic symbols of Rome.
14. Coriolanus – Pride, Betrayal, and the Burden of a Hero
The story of Coriolanus illustrates this well. He was a great Roman warrior, very brave and strong, but he was also extremely proud and sometimes to a fault.
During a time of famine, Coriolanus advised the Roman Senate to stop giving grain to the common people unless they surrendered some of their political rights as citizens. The common people viewed this as cruelty and betrayal and Coriolanus was therefore exiled from Rome. But this is not the end of the story. Coriolanus was very resentful and sought revenge with a army of Volsci, enemies of Rome.
He marched on Rome and was preparing to go to war against his own city, only to be stopped by the family and strong women in his life. His mother, Veturia, and his wife, Volumnia, went out to meet him and he bent to their will. He was moved by their courage and love and after much not so easy reflection, seriously considered the ramifications of his actions and eventually moved back, escorted home by his family. And Coriolanus spared the destruction of the city of Rome.
This story illustrates a distinctly human side of Roman Mythology: Even the most ancient of warriors can fall victim to their family, loyalty and humanity. This story has themes of pride, choices, and the power of love that out live politics and wars.
15. Caesar's Comet - A Star That Ushered in Divinity
In Roman Mythology, the narrative isn’t always kept on Earth, the sky itself can tell a story as well. When Julius Caesar is assassinated in 44 BC, it rocked Rome, but when shortly after his assassination a comet appeared, the story took another turn.
The Romans viewed it as a divine sign of the deification of Caesar. They called it Sidus Julius, or Julius’ Star. This wasn’t just a bolt of light somewhere in the heavens; it became part of the narrative of Caesar’s immortality and a method of combining his legacy. Temples were constructed, including the big one, Temple of Divus Julius in the Roman Forum, commemorating that Caesar had been more than a man and had become something divine.
What is most interesting about this story in Roman Mythology is how humans interpreted the cosmos to justify power, fate, and divine favor. Caesar’s comet wasn’t just a meteor in the sky; it became a symbol of authority, veneration, and the fine line between man and god in Roman conceptualization.
16. The Capitoline Geese – Honkers of Roman History
Although Roman Mythology doesn’t usually tell stories about animals, there are some about animals that provide moments of heroism. The story of the Capitoline Geese is relevant for our purposes, as it relates to the Gauls and the bravery of the Capitol’s animals. In 390 BC when the Gauls were threatening Rome, Romans took their last refuge on the Capitoline Hill. It was an anxious and uncertain time for the Romans.
On one particular night, the Gauls attempted to silently sneak up to the Capitoline Hill, but what the Gauls did not count on was the sacred geese of the Temple of Juno. The sacred geese began honking, flapping, and making enough noise to wake up some Romans. When the Romans heard the geese, they quickly gathered to defend the hill. Luckily, the Romans managed to defend the hill.
The story of the Capitoline Geese is so legendary in Roman Mythology, because it shows us that the courage and vigilance of even a tiny animal can help spare a city from attack. That courage and assistance aren’t always human, and sometimes it can come from the least likely of creatures.
17. Aesculapius on Tiber Island - A divine healer arrives
Roman Myth is more than a mythic history of battle and heroism – it reveals a belief in gods who protect health and life. The Romans had been hit with a plague in the 3rd century BCE. The people were desperate, scared, and in search of hope. On a day of desperation, they turned to Aesculapius, the god of medicine, who was worshiped in Greece as the protector of health and healing.
The Romans sent a delegation of priests to Epidaurus, a city sacred to Aesculapius, and performed rituals in the hopes of bringing him back to Rome with them. On their way back, a snake – the symbol of the god – boarded their ship. They interpreted this as a sign from Aesculapius, an omen of shared spiritual space and protection from the god, and they released it into the water. The snake made its way to the Tiber Island, and the Romans took this as confirmation that Aesculapius had blessed Tiber Island as a site for worship.
From the omen/action, Romans built a temple for Aesculapius and later added a hospital made from the temple so there would be a sacred area for healing while providing sustenance and care. The historical “Tiber Island” was even made to look like a ship, a symbol of Aesculapius’ arrival and protection over the city.
18. Romulus and Remus – Children with She-Wolf
One of the most famous stories in Roman Mythology is that of Romulus and Remus. This story is a little dramatic, a little heroic and quite symbolic. Imagine, due to a political rivalry, Rhea Silvia, the mother of twins, became a Vestal Virgin, so that she does not give birth to children who can take revenge in the future. But destiny had some other plans – Rhea Silvia got pregnant with Mars and two twin boys – Romulus and Remus – were born.
Now the problem was that Amulius, who wanted power, planned to kill the twins. But fate decided something else. A compassionate servant put them in a basket and sent them into the Tiber River. And that basket, by a miracle of destiny, reached a she-wolf! This she-wolf, famous today as the Capitoline Wolf, fed and protected the two twins until the shepherd Faustulus adopted them.
This story is not just a symbol of heroism, it also shows Rome’s divine connections. The involvement of Mars – the god of war and agriculture – and the connection through the lineage of Venus, both show that Rome’s roots were connected to powerful and divine forces.
19. Foundation of Rome – Vision of Romulus
One of the most iconic moments of Roman Mythology is the foundation of Rome. Imagine, two twins – Romulus and Remus – are planning to build their new city. But the problem was that both had different visions and both chose their hills: Remus chose Aventine Hill, and Romulus Palatine Hill.
As soon as both sat in their place, they started looking for auspicious signs – Romans had a tradition to look for divine signs for every decision, every beginning. Remus first saw 6 birds, and Romulus 12 birds. Now the argument begins – who saw first and who saw more birds, who deserves the divine favor.
This disagreement grew so big that eventually a fight took place, and Remus was tragically killed. Romulus, the surviving twin, became the sole founder of the city and named it Rome.
This story is not just about the foundation of the city, it shows us how important destiny, divine will, and human ambition were in Roman Mythology. The beginning of Rome was a mix of heroism, conflict, and divine guidance, and this became the basis of its later success.
20. The Death of Romulus - From Hero to God
Here’s an interesting story from Roman Mythology that has it all; mystery, heroism, and a sprinkle of divine sorcery. Romulus, the mythical founder of Rome did not just disappear like a puff of smoke at the end of a magic show; his end was just as dramatic as everything else about him.
Most of the myths agree that, one day while talking to his people during a storm, Romulus walked into a storm and then disappeared. Some of the myths say he disappeared because he was taken to heaven, and became a god with the name of Quirinus. Can you imagine that? One moment he is a man walking with men leading the very city he built, and then, poof, he went from man to god.
More than just trying to immortalize a hero, the Romulus to Quirinus story meant that for the Romans, the Roman city had divine protection and had divine significance. It also meant that – for the Romans – the human/divine distinction was very thin and divinity could be achieved by greatness.
And even history used the myth to its advantage. In the days of Emperor Augustus, hundreds of years later, Augustus built his mausoleum near the purported site of Romulus’ ascent to heaven. It was a bold statement: linking itself to the legendary founder of Rome and the mythical divine history behind the founding of the city.