Details

EXCLUSIVE WEBINAR | “Romulus and Remus: Myth, Memory and the True Origins of Rome”
Presented by Ross King
with Additional Commentary by Dr. Rocky Ruggiero

For centuries, the tale of Romulus and Remus — twins abandoned at birth, nursed by a she-wolf, and fated to found the city of Rome in 753 BCE — has captured the imagination of historians and storytellers alike. But how much of this legend is true? And what does archaeology reveal about the real origins of Rome?

In this lecture, we will explore the fascinating world of 8th-century BCE Italy, separating fact from fiction in Rome’s foundation story. We will uncover the widespread folktale traditions that shaped the Romulus myth, examine how and why this particular version of events took hold, and compare it with the archaeological evidence of early settlements in the area. Beyond the legend, we will also see how Rome’s true origins — steeped in migration, warfare and pragmatic state-building — offer a deeper understanding of what made the city so successful. We will see Rome’s birth in a whole new light — as a testament to human ingenuity, adaptation and the power of myth to shape history.

The webinar will include a 45-minute lecture followed by 15-minutes of Q&A.

Please note:

• Your participation is confirmed once you have purchased your ticket. You will receive the Zoom Link to join the presentation circa 30 minutes before the start time.
• VIDEO RECORDING of the webinar will be available for unlimited streaming at your convenience for 7 days after the event.

Lecturer

Ross King is the award-winning author of numerous books on Italian and French art and history, including Brunelleschi’s Dome and Michelangelo and the Pope’s Ceiling. His biography Machiavelli: Philosopher of Power has been called a “convincing portrait of one of the most misunderstood thinkers of all time.” His most recent book, published in April 2021, is The Bookseller of Florence: The Story of the Manuscripts That Illuminated the Renaissance.