It is possible that the cave discovered under the Palace of Augustus is the cave of the brothers Remus and Romulus, the founders of the city of Rome
News agencies
Published: 21.11.07, 12:33
Italian archaeologists believe they have discovered the battle in which the she-wolf nursed the twins Romulus and Remus, the founders of the city of Rome according to legend.
An underground cave decorated with shells and mosaics was discovered near the ruins of the palace of the Roman emperor Augustus on the Palatine Hill. According to an ancient claim, it should be the place known as Lupercale, the researchers say.
"It is certainly possible that this is the place, which, according to Roman mythology, one of the most well-known mythologies around the world, is the legendary cave where the she-wolf nursed the brothers and saved them from death," says Minister of Culture Francesco Rutelli, who presented the discovery.
The cave, which is 16 meters deep, was discovered during restoration work in the palace. Experts used a robotic camera and from the photos they saw that the arch with a white eagle in the center is well preserved.
According to the myth, Romulus and Remus, the sons of the god Mars, were abandoned on the bank of the Tiber river and the she-wolf found them and fed them milk. The brothers founded the city of Rome on this site and then the battle that decided which of them would rule the place took place - Romulus killed Remus.
The Halopercale, named after the Roman name for wolf, became a sacred place in ancient Rome.
