Archaeologists unearth tomb of Rome's mythical founder Romulus

A group of archaeologists in Rome has unearthed an ancient cenotaph, which is considered the resting place of Rome’s mythical founder Romulus. Revered by the ancient Romans, the place was buried for thousands of years and has now been rediscovered just below the Forum in Rome.

The head of the Colosseum Archaeological Park, Alfonsina Russo, said that the site possibly belongs to the sixth century BC. The cenotaph, which is set in the most ancient part of Rome, has been mentioned in the historical texts to Romulus, the first mythical king of Rome.Russo said that the region is highly symbolic but he thinks that the place surely is not Romulus’ tomb, but it is a place of memory, a cenotaph for sure. The shrine that has been unearthed was buried under the entrance to the Curia, which used to be one of the meeting places for Roman senators. Gradually, it was converted into a church.

The move was taken to protect the place from being dismantled. The chamber was discovered close to the Lapis Niger, (meaning the King) which is an antique marble slab, created by the Romans for their king. It is believed that the slab curses anyone who even thought of disturbing it.

Who was Romulus?

Rome was not built in a day, and Romulus certainly took his time. It is believed that the king lived in the eighth century, however, there is a big discussion over his existence as a number of historians don’t think that he ever existed for real.

As per several who believe in the king’s existence, they say that later, Romulus along with his twin brother Remus restored their grandfather to the throne of Alba Longa. Then the two of them decided to make a whole new city which overlooked the exact spot where the two brothers were abandoned as infants.

Legend has it that the brothers could not agree on which hill to build the city. So Romulus killed his twin brother Remus.