Amulius

The youngest son of Procas, the king of Alba Longa, and brother of Numitor. He dethroned his brother but allowed him to live in the enjoyment of his private fortune. Fearing lest that brother's daughter Rhea Silvia should have children, he made her a priestess of Vesta, bound to live unwedded and a virgin all her days. When she nevertheless became the mother of Romulus and Remus by the god Mars, he ordered a servant to take the boys and cast them away in the river. The boys survived the ordeal and were found by the shepherd Faustulus who raised them.

Romulus and Remus were eventually reunited with their grandfather Numitor and resolved to avenge the wrongs which their family had suffered. With the help of their faithful comrades they slew Amulius, and placed Numitor on the throne.

References

Sources

  • Livy. History of Rome i, 3-5.
  • Plutarch. Romulus, 3.