History Today: How Rome was founded

We have heard the saying “Rome was not built in a day”, but have you ever wondered when was the city actually built? According to tradition, it was founded by Romulus and Remus, twin  sons of the god Mars and the priestess Rhea Silvia, on April 21, 753 BCE.

The myth of Romulus and Remus has its origins in approximately the fourth century BC, and the specific date attributed to the founding of Rome was determined by the Roman scholar Marcus Terentius Varro during the first century BC.

If you are a history geek who loves to learn about important events from the past, Firstpost Explainers’ ongoing series, History Today will be your one-stop destination to explore key events.

On this day in 2016, the world lost one of its greatest singers, Prince. He was found dead in his Minnesota home and recording studio.

Here is all that happened across the world on this day.

Rome was founded

Rome, one of the oldest cities in the world, was founded on April 21, 753 BCE by brothers Romulus and Remus. According to the legend, Romulus and Remus were the offspring of Rhea Silvia, the daughter of King Numitor of the mythical city of Alba Longa, southeast of the geographical area that would later become Rome. Prior to the birth of the twins, Numitor was deposed from his position by his younger brother, Amulius, who then compelled Rhea to assume the role of a vestal virgin to prevent her from bearing potential rivals to his claim of sovereignty.

However, Rhea was impregnated by the mythological figure of Mars, the god of war, and later gave birth to Romulus and Remus. Amulius then commanded that the infants be drowned in the Tiber River but they survived and were carried by the waters to the shore where they were nurtured by a she-wolf until they were discovered by the shepherd named Faustulus and his wife.

After learning their true identity, they attacked Alba Longa and killed the wicked Amulius. The twins then decided to find a town on the site where they had been saved as infants. However, they soon became involved in a petty quarrel and Remus was slain by his brother. Romulus then became ruler of the settlement, which he named “Rome” after himself.

During its initial days, Romulus gave asylum to fugitives and exiles. He realised that there were no women in the kingdom of Rome and to overcome this situation Romulus invited the neighbouring Sabines to a festival and abducted their women. A war broke out between the two kingdoms but a treaty was drawn up after the abducted women intervened to prevent the Sabine men from seizing Rome.

After a long and successful rule, Romulus died under obscure circumstances. The kingdom saw six other kings after him. The kingdom became a republic around 509 BC and the Roman Republic was born. The story of Rome’s founding continues to be celebrated in Italy, especially on April 21, known as the Natale di Roma, or the Birthday of Rome, honouring the city’s legendary origins and remarkable legacy.

Singer Prince died in 2016

Singer Prince Rogers Nelson, one of the biggest names in the music industry passed away on this day in 2016. According to reports he was found dead at his home which also served as a recording studio in Chanhassen, Minnesota.

Prince’s death shocked fans and the music industry alike. The cause was later confirmed as an accidental overdose of fentanyl , a powerful opioid painkiller. In the days following his passing, tributes poured in from around the world, with monuments lit in purple and musicians honouring his legacy with emotional performances.

According to History.com, then-President Barack Obama condoled his death saying, “Few artists have influenced the sound and trajectory of popular music more distinctly, or touched quite so many people with their talent.”

Born on June 7, 1958, in Minneapolis, Minnesota, Prince was a musical prodigy. He could play multiple instruments and was known for his electrifying stage presence, genre-defying sound, and flamboyant style. He broke boundaries in funk, pop, R&B and rock, creating a signature blend that made him stand out from the very beginning.

Prince achieved international recognition in the 1980s with the release of albums like “1999,” “Purple Rain,” and “Sign o’ the Times.” The 1984 cinematic release of “Purple Rain,” propelled him to global superstardom, earning him an Academy Award. Prince’s sudden death left a void in music history. Yet, his groundbreaking artistry, fearless creativity and unapologetic individuality continue to inspire artists and fans around the world.

This Day, That Year

• Inder Kumar Gujral was sworn in as the 12th prime minister of India on this day in 1997.

• On this day in 1977, Annie, a popular musical based on the newspaper comic strip Little Orphan Annie, first opened on Broadway.

• In 1526, Babur established the Mughal dynasty in India after defeating Ibrahim Lodhi.