How did Rome begin?

Rome’s foundation myths, including the tales of Romulus and Remus and the Trojan hero Aeneas, serve as essential tools for understanding Roman self-identity rather than accurate historical records. While ancient intellectuals like Livy expressed skepticism toward these narratives, they remained central to Roman culture, reflecting a persistent need to explain the city's improbable rise from a small settlement to a Mediterranean power. These stories consistently characterize Rome as a city built by outsiders and asylum seekers, a stark departure from Greek traditions of indigenous origins. Archaeology, while revealing details about early habitation, often becomes entangled in a feedback loop where researchers attempt to reconcile physical findings with legendary accounts. Ultimately, the enduring significance of these myths lies in how they project Roman values, including the city's capacity for incorporation, onto their own mysterious beginnings.