What is the significance of the Grotto of Romulus and Remus?

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In summary, Italian archaeologists have discovered an underground grotto believed to have been worshipped by ancient Romans as the place where legendary figures Romulus and Remus were nursed by a she-wolf. The cave, decorated with seashells and colored marble, was found buried in the Palatine hill and confirms the existence of the grotto where ceremonies were held, but does not prove the existence of Romulus and Remus as historical figures.
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wolram
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http://www.nzherald.co.nz/topic/story.cfm?c_id=314&objectid=10477604


Mythology comes to life.

Italian archaeologists have unveiled the underground grotto believed to have been worshipped by ancient Romans as the place where a wolf nursed the city's legendary founder Romulus and his twin brother Remus.

Decorated with seashells and coloured marble, the vaulted sanctuary lies buried 16m inside the Palatine hill, the palatial centre of power in imperial Rome, archaeologists said.
 
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  • #2
Not sure I understand your statement "mythology comes to life". I am pretty sure that classicists never doubted that this cave was a real place, since contemporary authors mentioned ceremonies held there. However, if I am not mistaken, classicists have always felt and AFAIK still feel that the story of Romulus and Remus is mythological. So the discovery of what seems to be famous grotto confirms that it was a real place where real ceremonies were held, not that Romulus or Remus existed!

But yeah, it's an interesting discovery.
 
  • #3
I agree with Chris' view that it's not a demonstration of the existence of Romulus and Remus (that would be really impressive), but of a place where they were worshipped. Nonetheless, very interesting to read about.
 
  • #4
Hmm..according to which authors/traditions were they raised in a cave?

According to Livy, and others, a shepherd chanced upon the twin babies being nursed by a she-wolf by the riverside.
Then he took them home and became their foster father.
 
  • #5
Their previous domicile presumably having been a kind of "wolf den", or specifically (according to an ancient Roman tradition) the recently rediscovered sacred grotto :wink:
 

What is the Grotto of Romulus and Remus?

The Grotto of Romulus and Remus is a natural cave located in the Palatine Hill in Rome, Italy. It is believed to be the place where the legendary founders of Rome, Romulus and Remus, were nursed by a she-wolf.

When was the Grotto of Romulus and Remus discovered?

The grotto was first discovered in the 16th century during excavations in the Palatine Hill. It was rediscovered in 2007 during a restoration project of the Palatine Hill.

What is the significance of the Grotto of Romulus and Remus in Roman mythology?

The Grotto of Romulus and Remus plays a significant role in the founding myth of Rome. According to legend, the twins Romulus and Remus were abandoned in the grotto and were later found and raised by a she-wolf. They went on to found the city of Rome and the grotto became a sacred site for the ancient Romans.

What is the current state of the Grotto of Romulus and Remus?

The grotto is currently closed to the public for preservation purposes. However, visitors can still view the entrance and the surrounding area from a viewing platform. It is also possible to see the grotto from the Domus Transitoria, an ancient palace built by Emperor Nero.

Is there any ongoing research or archaeological work being done at the Grotto of Romulus and Remus?

Yes, there are ongoing excavations and research being conducted at the grotto. In 2007, a team of archaeologists discovered a series of tunnels and chambers beneath the grotto that are believed to be part of an ancient imperial palace complex. The findings are still being studied and have shed new light on the history of the Palatine Hill.

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