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

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers on the significance of the recently unveiled Grotto of Romulus and Remus, believed to be a site of worship in ancient Rome. Participants explore the implications of this discovery in relation to the mythological narrative of Romulus and Remus, as well as the historical context of the grotto.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Debate/contested
  • Historical

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants note that the grotto is a real place where ancient ceremonies were held, but this does not confirm the historical existence of Romulus and Remus.
  • Others emphasize that classicists have traditionally viewed the story of Romulus and Remus as mythological, despite the existence of the grotto.
  • A participant questions the sources regarding the upbringing of Romulus and Remus, referencing Livy and other authors who describe their discovery by a shepherd.
  • There is a suggestion that the grotto may have been considered a "wolf den" in ancient Roman tradition.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree that the grotto is significant as a historical site, but there is disagreement about its implications for the mythological narrative of Romulus and Remus. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the interpretation of the grotto's significance in relation to the legends.

Contextual Notes

Participants reference various ancient authors and traditions, indicating a reliance on historical texts that may have differing interpretations of the events surrounding Romulus and Remus.

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.
 
Science news on Phys.org
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.
 
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.
 
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.
 
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: