The Rise of the Roman Empire · Autumn Term

The Legend of Romulus and Remus

Investigating the mythical origins of Rome and what the story tells us about Roman values.

About This Topic

The legend of Romulus and Remus serves as the foundational myth of Rome, offering a window into the values the Romans prized: strength, divine favour, and the belief that their city was destined for greatness. For Year 4 students, this topic introduces the distinction between myth and historical evidence, a key skill in the KS2 History curriculum. By examining the story of the twin brothers raised by a wolf, students begin to understand how the Romans viewed themselves and their origins.

This topic also connects to geography, as the myth highlights the importance of the Seven Hills and the Tiber River. Understanding why the Romans chose this specific location helps students grasp the strategic advantages that allowed a small settlement to grow into a massive empire. This topic particularly benefits from hands-on, student-centered approaches where children can debate the 'truth' behind the legend and explore the symbolism of the story through creative expression.

Learning Objectives

• Analyze the symbolic meaning of the wolf and the Tiber River in the Romulus and Remus legend.
• Evaluate the geographical features of Rome's location and their strategic importance for early settlement.
• Differentiate between elements of myth and potential historical facts within the Romulus and Remus narrative.
• Explain how the legend of Romulus and Remus reflects Roman values such as strength and divine destiny.

Before You Start

What is History?

Why: Students need a basic understanding of history as the study of the past and the difference between stories and factual accounts.

Basic Map Skills

Why: Understanding geographical terms like 'river' and 'hill' is necessary to evaluate the location of Rome.

Key Vocabulary

Myth	A traditional story, often concerning early history or explaining natural or social phenomena, that is typically regarded as fictional or as having a supernatural significance.
Legend	A traditional story sometimes popularly regarded as historical but not authenticated, often featuring a central hero or event.
Tiber River	The third longest river in Italy, flowing through Rome and historically vital for trade, transport, and fresh water.
Seven Hills of Rome	A collection of seven hills on the eastern bank of the Tiber River, forming the geographical heart of ancient Rome and providing defensive advantages.
Divine Favor	The belief that a deity or gods approve of and support a person, group, or nation, often seen as a source of power or destiny.

Active Learning Ideas

Formal Debate: Fact or Fiction?

Divide the class into two groups to argue whether the Romulus and Remus story contains any historical 'seeds' of truth or if it is entirely made up. Students use evidence about Rome's geography and early archaeology to support their points.

⏱ 45 min·Whole Class

Generate mission

Inquiry Circle: The Seven Hills

In small groups, students use maps and clay to model the seven hills of Rome. They must decide, based on the myth and geographical facts, why the Palatine Hill was the best spot for Romulus to start his city.

⏱ 60 min·Small Groups

Generate mission

Think-Pair-Share: Roman Values

Students identify three character traits shown by Romulus in the myth. They then pair up to discuss what these traits tell us about what the Romans thought a 'good' leader should be like.

⏱ 15 min·Pairs

Generate mission

Real-World Connections

Historians and archaeologists analyze ancient texts and artifacts, much like examining the Romulus and Remus story, to reconstruct the past and understand the foundations of civilizations like Rome.

City planners today still consider geographical advantages, such as proximity to water sources and defensible terrain, when developing new urban areas, echoing the strategic choices made by early Romans.

Authors and filmmakers often draw inspiration from ancient myths and legends to create modern stories, exploring universal themes of heroism, destiny, and the origins of societies.

Watch Out for These Misconceptions

Common Misconception

Romans believed the myth was literal scientific fact.

What to Teach Instead

While many Romans respected the legend, it functioned more like a national 'origin story' to explain their character. Peer discussion helps students compare this to modern national symbols or stories that represent a culture's identity.

Common Misconception

Rome was a massive city from the very beginning.

What to Teach Instead

The myth shows that Rome started as a small, humble settlement. Hands-on modeling of the early site helps students visualize the transition from a group of huts to a stone city.

Assessment Ideas

Exit Ticket

Provide students with two statements: 'The Romulus and Remus story shows Romans valued strength.' and 'Rome was built on the Tiber River because it was good for farming.' Ask students to write 'Myth' or 'Fact' next to each statement and briefly explain their reasoning for one of them.

Discussion Prompt

Pose the question: 'If the story of Romulus and Remus is a myth, why do you think the Romans told it?' Encourage students to discuss what the story reveals about what was important to them as a people, referencing specific parts of the legend.

Quick Check

Show students a simple map of early Rome highlighting the Tiber River and the Seven Hills. Ask them to point to the river and name one geographical advantage it offered the early settlers. Then, ask them to name one value the Romulus and Remus legend suggests was important to the Romans.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there any proof that Romulus and Remus actually existed?

There is no archaeological evidence of the twins themselves. However, excavations on the Palatine Hill have found remains of huts dating back to the mid-8th century BC, which matches the traditional date for the founding of Rome. This allows students to see how historians use physical evidence to check the 'timing' of legends.

Why did the Romans choose a wolf as the mother figure?

The she-wolf was a symbol of the god Mars, the Roman god of war. By claiming they were raised by a wolf, the Romans were suggesting they were 'children of war' and had a divine right to be fierce and powerful. It sets the tone for their future military conquests.

How does active learning help students understand Roman myths?

Active learning, such as role play or structured debates, helps students move beyond just memorising the plot. By stepping into the shoes of early Romans or debating the myth's purpose, students develop critical thinking skills. They learn to analyse why a society would create such a story, which is a much deeper historical skill than simply retelling the legend.

What are the key Roman values found in this story?

The story emphasises bravery, physical strength, and the idea of 'pietas' (duty). It also shows a darker side of Roman value: the idea that the city and its laws are more important than family, as seen when Romulus kills his brother for jumping over the city wall.