Existing comment:
The Birth of Rome:
Ancient coins often depict key moments or figures (both legendary and historical) in a city's history. Beginning in the late Republic (ca 130 BC), Romans began depicting the founding myths of Rome on their coinage. This group of coins shows the seduction of Rhea Sylvia, a Vestal Virgin, by Mars, the god of agriculture and War; the she-wolf (lupa) nursing Romulus and Remus (the offspring of this seduction); and the shepherd, Faustulus, who raised Romulus and Remus after discovering them near a fig tree. |