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Rhea Silvia

mythological figure

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Rhea Silvia was a mythological figure in Roman tradition, known as the mother of Romulus and Remus, the legendary founders of Rome. She was the daughter of Numitor, the king of Alba Longa. To prevent her from having heirs, her uncle Amulius forced her to become a Vestal Virgin, a priestess who vowed chastity. Despite this, Rhea Silvia bore twins, Romulus and Remus, who were said to be fathered by the god of war, Mars. Amulius ordered the infants to be drowned in the Tiber River, but they survived and were eventually found and raised by a shepherd.12

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2 Britannica Sources
  1. Romulus and Remus
  2. Mars

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