Myth and the City: Foundation Stories

Ancient Greek and Roman belief about how Athens and Rome were founded by their associated heroes, including how and why the myths are depicted as they are; what these myths meant to the city; the role of the hero; the role of the gods.

Greece

The naming of Athens: Poseidon and Athena
The adventures of Theseus: as displayed on the Theseus Kylix

Rome

The founding of the Roman Race: Aeneas’ leadership of the Trojans; arrival and settlement in Italy; the founding of Alba Longa and the line of kings
The founding of Rome: Romulus and Remus

Both

Comparison of Theseus and Romulus, with use of Plutarch’s Lives