Romulus With Theseus (Comparison)
Plutarch's Comparison of Romulus and Theseus is a short essay in which he compares and contrasts the lives and careers of two famous founders of cities: Romulus of Rome and Theseus of Athens.
Plutarch begins by noting that both Romulus and Theseus were born into unusual circumstances. Romulus and his twin brother Remus were abandoned as infants and were raised by a wolf. Theseus was the son of Poseidon, the Greek god of the sea, and Aethra, the queen of Troezen.
Both Romulus and Theseus were also known for their strength and courage. Romulus founded Rome after killing his brother Remus. Theseus founded Athens after killing the Minotaur, a half-man, half-bull creature that lived in the Labyrinth on the island of Crete.
However, Romulus and Theseus also had their differences. Romulus was a harsh and ruthless ruler, while Theseus was a more benevolent and democratic leader. Romulus was killed by his own people, while Theseus died in exile.
Plutarch concludes his essay by noting that Romulus and Theseus were both complex and controversial figures. They were both brilliant founders of cities, but they were also flawed individuals who made mistakes. Their lives are a cautionary tale about the dangers of power and ambition.
Here is a table comparing and contrasting Romulus and Theseus:
| Characteristic | Romulus | Theseus |
|---|---|---|
| Family background | Abandoned as an infant and raised by a wolf | Son of Poseidon, the Greek god of the sea, and Aethra, the queen of Troezen |
| Personal qualities | Harsh and ruthless | Benevolent and democratic |
| Legacy | Founded Rome and established the Roman monarchy | Founded Athens and established the Athenian democracy |
| Fate | Killed by his own people | Died in exile |
Plutarch's Comparison of Romulus and Theseus is a thought-provoking and insightful essay that explores the lives and careers of two of the most famous founders of cities in ancient history. It is a valuable source of information for anyone interested in learning more about the ancient world.
It is important to note that Plutarch's Comparison of Romulus and Theseus is a work of literature, not history. Plutarch was not a historian, and he was more interested in exploring moral and philosophical themes than in providing accurate historical accounts. Therefore, his comparison of Romulus and Theseus should be read with a critical eye.