The creation myth of Rome begins with the story of Romulus and Remus, the tragic story of twin brothers born into nobility, almost killed as newborns, and who eventually die engage in a conflict resulting in the death of one of them and the founding of a society. made worse by the other. The myth of the creation of Rome tells the story of a mythical leader who, against all odds, triumphs, and as he prevails, so does Rome. Rhea Silvia was a Vestal virgin who, it is claimed, was raped by Mars, the god of war. This act results in the birth of twin brothers, Romulus and Remus. The twins, born of noble blood – Rhea's grandfather was the ruler at the time – were to be drowned in the Tiber on the orders of Rhea's uncle to avoid possible future challenges to the throne by the twins. However, the twins survived a series of improbable but fortuitous events. First, a she-wolf found the boys and let them nurse her; then a woodpecker fed them; and finally the shepherd Faustulus and his wife found them and raised the twins as their own. The boys, having survived against all odds, were both natural leaders and rivals. In deciding to found a city, the twins disagreed over its location, each favoring the nearby hills. They decided to let fortune dictate the location of the city. Remus saw six vultures for the first time and interpreted this to mean that luck was in his favor. Romulus later saw 12 vultures and claimed that fortune was favorable to him. Ultimately, Remus was killed by Romulus in an act of violence. The mythical leader Romulus prevailed and founded his city, giving it the name Rome. An example of a Roman ruler victorious against all odds in the creation myth tradition is found in the story of a humble Roman dictator, Lucius Quincticus Cincinnatus. Minucius, a...... middle of paper...... in recognition of his success in defeating Rome's enemy in North Africa, Scipio was given the title Scipio Africanus and was forever a Roman hero. Once again, Rome's troops were led by an inspired leader. Once again, as in the creation myth and against all odds, Scipio prevailed, as did Rome. Rome's improbable and inspiring creation myth and story of Romulus and Remus, their tragedy and Romulus's ultimate triumph in establishing Rome, inspired Romans for generations to overcome adversity and their personal tragedies to achieve their own triumphs. Against all odds, the creation myth inspired the leaders of Rome to fight for Rome against all odds, winning for themselves, their countrymen, and ultimately for Rome itself. Works cited (Livy, p. 34), (Livy, p. 35), (Livy, p. 37), (Livy, p. 226-227), (Livy, p. 228-229), (Stillman, p.17-18), (Stillman, p...20-21)