The Capitoline She-Wolf: Romulus and Remus, the foundation of Rome

The Capitoline she-wolf, a prominent figure in the history and mythology of Rome, suckled Romulus and Remus, the founders of the city. The bronze statue dedicated to her, also called “Luperca” is in the Capitoline Museums in Rome. Although it was believed to be Etruscan, recent research suggests that it is of medieval origin. Its presence in Roman culture is undisputed and is found on shields, logos and monuments throughout Europe. A replica of the statue is also found in Merida, Spain.

The legend of the Capitoline she-wolf and the twins Romulus and Remus

As the story goes, the she-wolf suckled the twins Romulus and Remus, who are considered the founders of the city of Rome. The story goes that these two brothers were abandoned in a basket in the Tiber River, but were rescued and suckled by the she-wolf Capitolina.

Subsequently, the twins were found and raised by a shepherd and his wife. As they grew up, they decided to found a new city, being Romulus who took the initiative to call it Rome and build it on the Palatine, while Remus preferred to call it Remora and establish it on the Aventine. The dispute between the brothers over the name and location of the city ended tragically, as Romulus killed Remus and founded the city of Rome.

The Capitoline she-wolf, the name of the sculpture of Romulus and Remus.

The presence of the Capitoline she-wolf in Roman mythology symbolizes the care and protection she provides to the city and its legacy. This legendary figure has been venerated for generations, highlighting its importance in the collective memory of Rome.

In addition to her role in the legend of Romulus and Remus, the Capitoline she-wolf has been depicted in various forms throughout Roman history. From statues to coins, her image has been an iconic and recognizable symbol for Romans throughout the centuries.

Location and presence of the Capitoline she-wolf today

The statue of the Capitoline She-wolf, a powerful symbol of Rome, can be found not only in the Capitoline Museums, but also in other places in the city and in replicas around Europe. In addition, some sports teams, such as AS Roma, carry the Capitoline She-wolf on their crest, in honor of her importance in the history and mythology of the city.

At the Capitoline Museums in Rome, the statue of the Capitoline She-Wolf occupies a prominent place. There, visitors can appreciate her imposing figure and learn more about her cultural and symbolic significance in ancient Rome.

Moreover, the influence of the Capitoline She-wolf transcends the borders of Italy. Replicas of the statue can be found in other European countries, such as the replica located in Merida, Spain, which was a gift from the city of Rome.

The sculpture of the Capitoline she-wolf: origin and characteristics

The statue of the Capitoline she-wolf is a work of great importance in the history of Rome. Although it was believed to be of Etruscan origin, recent research suggests that it is actually of medieval origin.

The controversy lies in the stylistic and technical differences present in the sculpture. Some experts consider that its appearance and characteristics fit more with the medieval style and technique, while others defend its Etruscan origin due to the presence of certain elements in the sculpture.

This controversy has led to passionate debates about the origin and authenticity of the statue. While some argue that its Etruscan origin is supported by tradition and history, others point out that the technical and stylistic evidence points more towards a medieval origin.

• Some characteristics that suggest a medieval origin are:
• The way in which the she-wolf and the children Romulus and Remus are represented, with a greater naturalness and realism not found in Etruscan sculptures.
• The style of the sculpture, which shows a Gothic influence with more refined details.

In any case, the controversy over the Etruscan or medieval origin of the Capitoline wolf is still the subject of discussion and analysis among experts.

This bronze statue, measuring 75 centimeters high and 113 centimeters wide, represents the goddess Luperea, protector of the flocks.

The representation of the Capitoline she-wolf, suckling the twins Romulus and Remus, is full of symbolism. Moreover, it is interesting to note that it was in the 15th century that the figures of the children Romulus and Remus were added to the original statue, dating from the 12th century.

The Capitoline she-wolf is a symbol of power and protection. Her figure is recognized as an icon all over the world.

Replicas of the Capitoline she-wolf in other places

La presencia de la loba capitolina trasciende más allá de Roma, encontrándose réplicas de esta emblemática estatua en diferentes lugares del mundo. Uno de estos lugares es Mérida (España), donde la ciudad recibió una réplica como regalo de Roma en 1997. Hoy, la réplica se alza sobre un pedestal en la Plaza de Roma, junto al río Guadiana.

Another place where replicas of the Capitoline she-wolf can be seen is in various museums and public spaces around Europe. These replicas have become symbols of Roman culture and are admired for their historical and mythological significance.

These replicas allow people who cannot visit Rome to have the opportunity to contemplate the iconic statue and appreciate its importance in the city’s history. They also help to spread Roman culture and its legacy to places beyond Italy.

Today we are not messing around. If you want to know more about the Capitoline wolf and the founding of Rome, you’d better prepare a trip and visit everything there is to visit in this beautiful destination.