World Champion: Roman Empire

Author: Time-Life Books, Inc.
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2003-01-01
Features: According to legend, the twin brothers Romulus and Remus were abandoned as infants on the banks of the Tiber River, left to fend for themselves. They were saved and nursed by a she-wolf, who raised them until they grew into adulthood. The twins then decided to build a city at the spot where the she-wolf had rescued them. However, they quarreled over who had the right to govern and name the city after themselves. Romulus stood on the Palatine Hill, while Remus stood on the Aventine Hill. Both brothers sought divine approval. Eventually, the twins fought each other to the death. Romulus emerged victorious and sacrificed his brother's blood to the gods, dedicating it to Rome. As this story suggests, ambitious Roman rulers, in their pursuit of power, were willing to sacrifice everything, often fighting each other with the same ferocity as they did against neighboring nations.