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Product Description
With its unique symbolism explaining the origin of the Roman Empire, this beautiful bronze ancient coin pendant features a genuine Roman coin that was minted to commemorate the founding of the new Roman capitol in Constantinople. The side shown features the superb image of a she-wolf with twin boys Romulus and Remus beneath, suckling her milk. This scene represents the Roman legend of the founding of Rome. The back side of the pendant features the helmeted bust of Roma in full battle dress, the personification of the Roman Empire. The setting is a high-polished 14K yellow gold mounting and contrasts wonderfully with the rich chocolate brown patina to the coin.
According to the Roman belief, Romulus was the founder of Rome and Remus was his twin brother. Their story begins with their grandfather Numitor, king of the ancient Italian city of Alba Longa, who was deposed by his brother Amulius. Numitor's daughter, Rhea Silvia, was made a Vestal Virgin by Amulius - this means that she was made a priestess of the goddess Vesta and forbidden to marry. Nevertheless, Mars, the god of war, fell in love with her and she gave birth to twin sons. Amulius, fearing that the boys would grow up to overthrow him, had them placed in a trough and thrown into the River Tiber. At that time the river was flooded and when the waters subsided, the trough containing the two boys, came ashore. They were found by a she-wolf who, instead of killing them, looked after them and fed them with her milk. A woodpecker also brought them food, for the woodpecker, like the wolf, was sacred to Mars. Later the twins where found by Faustulus, the king's shepherd. He took them home to his wife and the two adopted them, calling them Romulus and Remus. They grew up as bold and strong young men, leading a warlike band of shepherds.
One day Remus was captured and brought before Numitor for punishment. Numitor noticing how unlike a shepherd's son he was, questioned him and before long realized who he was. Romulus and Remus than rose against Amulius, killed him and restored the kingdom to their grandfather. Deciding to found a town of their own, Romulus and Remus chose the place where the she-wolf had nursed them. Romulus began to build walls on the Palatine Hill, but Remus mocked him because they were so low. He leaped over them to prove this, and Romulus in anger killed him. Romulus continued the building of the new city, naming it Roma (Rome) after his own name. It's first citizens were outlaws and fugitives, to whom Romulus gave the settlement on the Capitoline Hill. For the rest of his life Romulus ruled alone, proving himself a great leader in peace and war. He did not die but disappeared one day in a violent storm. The Romans believing he had been taken up to heaven worshipped him under the name of Quirinus.
Highly recommended and a classic coin with great imagery and meaning!