Who are referred to as the founders of Rome?

The founders of Rome are Romulus and Remus, twin brothers from Roman mythology. According to legend, they were the sons of Mars, the god of war, and a vestal virgin named Rhea Silvia. The story goes that they were abandoned as infants and raised by a she-wolf. As they grew older, they decided to build a city. However, a conflict arose between them regarding the location of the city. Romulus ended up killing Remus and thus became the sole founder of Rome. This mythological narrative emphasizes themes of conflict and the divine favor associated with Rome’s inception.

The other mention of figures like Julius and Augustus pertains to important historical leaders who played significant roles in the Roman Empire’s expansion and governance rather than the city’s foundation itself. Brutus and Cassius were known for their involvement in the assassination of Julius Caesar, which is markedly different from founding tales. Similarly, Caesar and Pompey were key figures in the late Roman Republic but are not associated with the origins of the city. Hence, Romulus and Remus hold the rightful place in Rome's founding legend.