The death of RomulusAim: to understand Livy’s account of Romulus’ death

and explain it in terms of Roman IdentityStarter: What events in Romulus’ life are being depicted here?

1 2 3Roman Identities

Romulus: the Man/God• Romulus is OBVIOUSLY hugely

important to Livy and the Romans.

• He is not only the founder of the city but in many ways he is the FIRST TRUE ROMAN.

• Think about his actions- how do they influence Roman Identity?

Romulus’ Actions Roman Identity• Born as son of Mars- God of

War• Romans have divine origin-

they’re something special.

God like in Birth, Life and Death

• Read Livy section 16.• In your book: • Title: Death of Romulus according to Livy.• Bullet point the events surrounding Romulus’

death.• There are 2 versions! (tip- use different colours for

the 2 versions)

Quick Questions

• How do the Roman’s respond to Romulus’ death?

• What did the senators say happened?• How dies Romulus’ death help build

upon his myth?• What is the second version of his death?• What does Julius Proculus do?

Important points• Romulus the ‘God King’.• Many ancient kings claimed to be descended

from Gods.• Romulus’ death reinforces his mysterious

birth.• Romulus also ‘does a Jesus’ and appears to

Proculus.• What does Romulus’ message add to Roman

identity?

Key message- Identity?

• ‘Go and tell the Romans that the gods in the sky want my city, Rome, to be the capital of the world: so they should become good soldiers, and tell them, and they should tell their children, that no one can stand up to the Roman army’.

A Roman Mission Statement?

The Senators

• It’s all about reliability!• Livy cannot be certain about

the past- there are different stories.

• Livy is also trying to consolidate the supernatural with the plausible.

• Is there anyone else who died at the hands of the Senate?

Could Livy be including the second version to please Augustus?

• Condemn the Senate (both Senates)?

• Build the link between Emperors and Gods?

Bias toward the Emperor?

Plenary• How far does Romulus’ death reinforce his

divine nature?

• What was the message given to the people by Romulus after his death?

• Is Livy drawing direct comparisons between Romulus and the Julio-Claudian dynasty?

• Does Romulus’ death make Livy less reliable?

Holiday Homework

• Two new themes• Character and Reign of the Kings• The constitutional, religious and economic

development of the Roman state under the kings.

• You need to read sections 8- 16.• Use the additional material to pick out key aspects of

Romulus’ Rule.• Add a quote (with paragraph reference) to support

your assertion)