According to Wikipedia: "Romulus and Remus are Rome's twin founders in its traditional foundation myth, although the former is sometimes said to be the sole founder. Their maternal grandfather is Numitor, rightful king of Alba Longa, a descendant of the Trojan prince, Aeneas and father to Rhea Silvia (also known as Ilia). Before their conception, Numitor's brother Amulius deposes his brother, kills his sons and forces Rhea to become a Vestal Virgin, intending to deprive Numitor of lawful heirs and thus secure his own position; but Rhea conceives Romulus and Remus by the god Mars or the demi-god Hercules. When the twins are born, Amulius has them exposed to die but they are saved by a series of miraculous interventions. A she-wolf finds them and suckles them. Then a shepherd and his wife foster them and raise them to manhood as shepherds. The twins prove to be natural leaders, and acquire many followers. When told their true identities, they kill Amulius, restore Numitor to the throne of Alba Longa and decide to found a new city for themselves."