====The meaning of the death of Remus====
The killing of Remus was a key event not only in mythology but also in Roman history. It was the event that set the city on its journey to becoming the greatest power in the Classical World and one of the most influential civilizations in world history. The death of Remus was accepted by the Romans as because they believed that it was essential to their rise to greatness. Therefore they believed that the death of Remus was and part of the a divine plan . <ref>Wiseman, p. 114</ref>. It was something that had been fated and many would have regarded the death of Remus as some kind of blood offering to the Gods. This would have been necessary for the success of the city of Rome. Romulus was an instrument of fate and he was not condemned but was rather revered for his actions. By killing his brother, whom he had earlier rescued, he showed that he was committed to the future glory of Rome. Moreover, it was also important for the values of the Romans. The murder of Remus was even acceptable to them. Livy seems to suggest that his death was somehow beneficial as it allowed the able Romulus to control the early years of the city. To put it simply the Romans believed that Remus was expendable and Romulus was not. They lived in brutal times when war was normal and peace rare. Moreover, it was justified in that it was necessary to unite the population of Rome. If Remus had lived the city may have been divided and therefore weakened. The killing of Remus demonstrated that unity had to be maintained even if it led to the death of an individual, no matter his status and rank. Remus death at the hands of his brother was also seen as justifying strong and even ruthless government .<ref>Wiseman, p. 34</ref>. The Romans, like other ancient societies, used myths to establish social norms and instruct the population, how to behave. The murder of Remus was justified because he was a reckless and disrespectful person. Remus 's death was a warning that those who did not have the Roman virtue of ‘Dignitas’ or self-possession were unworthy of the city. The myth of the killing of Remus was central to the development of the Roman worldview and also its sense of national identity.
====Conclusion====
The Romulus and Remus myth is central to Roman history and culture. The story is very similar to other origin myths and fables of feral twins. However, what makes the Roman foundation myth unique is the death of Remus. On the face of it, he was killed by his brother because he was acting provocatively and was hindering the foundation of the city, that was destined for greatness. Romulus murdered his brother because it was necessary for the future of the city and its rise to greatness. It was fated and Romulus was therefore not guilty. However, the death of Remus was full of deeper meanings for the Romans. It demonstrated to them that brutal measures were necessary, and order was essential. The lessons inherent in the fable and the murder of Romulus was crucial to the Roman worldview.
