Unveiling Tomb Of Romulus, The King Who Was Raised By Wolves

According to Live Science, the ancient tomb dated back to the sixth century before BC was found in Roman Forum – a famous tourist destination in Rome. Some archaeologists in Italy stated that this might be the tomb of Romulus, the legendary king in Roman mythology who built Rome.

After excavation was carried out, archaeologists identified the tomb dating back to 2,600 years. Inside the tomb, there is a 1.4-meter light volcanic stone sarcophagus and a circular votive altar. Surprisingly, when the archaeologists opened the sarcophagus, they found it to be empty.

Thanks to 3D laser scan technology, the experts found the entrance to the ancient tomb right beneath the steps to the Senate House or Curia Julia in the Roman Forum.

This used to be where Roman senators held meetings and voted thousands of years ago. The tomb itself is really close to Lapis Niger which in Latin means Black Stone a black marble ancient shrine which is said to be the place where Romulus was assassinated by the Senate’s jealous members.

Several archaeologists said that this newly-discovered tomb might be where Romulus was buried, based on ancient documents mentioning the resting place of the founder of Rome.

Some historians believed that this ancient tomb wasn’t the real place where the body of the king was buried but rather a symbol. Accordingly, if Romulus truly existed, there would be any remains of the emperor inside the tomb. After being assassinated by Roman senators, Romulus’s body might have been sliced into pieces and discarded around the city. This was one of the theories explaining why the tomb was empty.

Archaeologist Afonsina Russo, Interim Director of the Archaeological Park of Pompeii, said that the tomb was rather a place to worship Romulus. While denying that the tomb was where Romulus was buried, Russo still believed that the legendary king actually existed in history.

At the moment, the excavation is still being carried out. The relics will be opened for visitors in the next two years.

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