This document provides an overview of the legendary origins of Rome. It describes the stories of Aeneas, a Trojan hero who fled to Italy after Troy was destroyed, and of Romulus and Remus, twin brothers who were abandoned as infants but rescued by a wolf and later founded Rome. It also outlines the reigns of Rome's early kings, the last three of whom were Etruscans who contributed to Roman infrastructure and culture. The document aims to explain how, while Roman history is well documented, its origins are obscure, so leaders devised legendary accounts, perhaps based on real events, to establish a glorious past.

1. Social Studies for 9th EBG
Teacher: Mauricio Torres
LEGENDARY ORIGINS

2. ORIGINS
• Background
• Aeneas
• Romulus and Remus
• Rome´s Early Kings

3. BACKGROUND
Early mystery
• Even thought Roman history is
heavily documented, its origins are
covered by a shroud of mystery.
• Only old ruins from the 800s BC have
been found, suggest that people lived
there.
• But even ancient Romans were
curious about their own history.
– Therefore, its leaders created legends,
maybe based on true events, that spoke
of a glorious past.
Rome at its peak

4. AENEAS
Aeneas was a Trojan hero:
• According to an epic poem called the
Aeneid, when the Greeks destroyed
Troy, Aeneas fled with his followers.
After a long journey, they reached
Italy.
• Soon afterwards he formed an
alliance with a group called the
Latins. Together they fought against
others.
• Aeneas’ descendants ruled Italy for
some time.
Aeneas fighting in Italy

5. ROMULUS & REMUS
According to legend, they were
the founders of Rome.
• They were twin brothers who
descended from Aeneas.
• When they were babies, they
were thrown inside a basket into
the Tiber.
• They were rescued by a wolf, who
cared for the boys for many years.
They were eventually found by a
shepherd.
Sculpture of Romulus & Remus

6. ROMULUS & REMUS
Founding of Rome
• When they grew up, the brothers
decided to build a city to mark the
spot where they were found by
the wolf.
• While planning, Remus mocked
Remulus. In a fit of anger he killed
his brother, and named the city
after himself.
Rome

7. ROME’S EARLY KINGS
Romulus
• According to historians, Romulus
was the first Roman king. This
was around 753 BC.
• According to roman records,
seven kings in all ruled the city.
– The last three of them, were
Etruscans.
– The Etruscans were a group of people
that lived in Italy and were very
influenced by the Greeks.
Research tip:
• Read at home what you can about
the Etruscans. Very little is known
about them. Why is that?
• This may be on the test!

8. ETRUSCAN CONTRIBUTIONS
Kings
• They built huge temples. Tarquinus, one
of them, built the first sewer system in
Rome! He also built a temple for Jupiter
and held the first games at what would
late be known as the Circus Maximus.
• According to historians, the Romans
inherited their numbers and alphabet
from the Etruscans.
• But not all kings were good. The last one,
turned out to be ruthless and an evil
tyrant.
– He was overthrown in 509 BC by some
nobles and a new way of government was
developed.
King Tarquinus

9. ASK YOURSELF
• Recall:
– What epic poem tells the story of Aeneas?
• Explain:
– What was remarkable about the childhood of Romulus and Remus?
• Develop:
– How might a legendary beginning make a country or empire more stable?
• Draw conclusions:
– Why did early Romans want to get rid of their monarchy?

10. BIBLIOGRAPHY
• Burstein, S. M., & Shek, R. (2012). World History (Teacher´s
Edition) (1st Edition ed.). (H. McDougal, Ed.) Orlando, Florida, US.:
Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
• Images taken from Google.com