The Capitoline Wolf (Italian: Lupa Capitolina) is a bronze sculpture depicting a scene from the legend of the founding of Rome. The sculpture shows a she-wolf suckling the mythical twin founders of Rome, Romulus and Remus.

In the Roman foundation myth, the She-Wolf (lupa in Latin) was an Italian wolf who nursed and sheltered the twins Romulus and Remus after they were abandoned in the wild by decree of King Amulius of Alba Longa.

The image of the she-wolf suckling the divinely fathered twins became an iconic representation of the city and its founding legend, making Romulus and Remus pre-eminent among the feral children of ancient mythography.

Mar 13, 2023 · The she-wolf is an essential symbol of Roman history and culture, and appears throughout the city in various types of artwork. Wolves, in general, are important to Roman culture, but the she-wolf is the most notable. In fact, according to legend, the very founding of Rome depended on a she-wolf.

Oct 15, 2024 · The wolf holds a prominent place in the lore of ancient Rome, originating from both historical and mythical narratives. One of the most notable figures associated with wolves is Lupa, the she-wolf who nursed the legendary twins Romulus and Remus, the founders of Rome.

Mar 16, 2017 · One of the defining symbols of ancient Rome is a remarkable piece of animal folklore. The image of it is still to be seen everywhere in Rome: The twins Romulus and Remus crouching beneath a she-wolf and suckling her milk.

The Capitoline She-wolf (Italian: Lupa capitolina) takes its name from its location—the statue is housed in the Capitoline Museums in Rome. The She-wolf statue is a fully worked bronze composition that is intended for 360 degree viewing.

Aug 2, 2018 · The Wolf was an animal of great cult status and was well established in the memory of the ancient Romans. It often influenced the history of Rome, was a respected animal, associated with religious rites, and his motif was often used by Roman writers.

Nov 19, 2024 · In ancient Rome, the wolf was not merely an animal but a symbol of survival and tenacity. The rugged landscape of Italy, filled with forests and wilderness, meant that wolves were a common sight, leading to a deep-rooted respect for their adaptability and strength.

Jun 23, 2024 · In Roman mythology, the wolf holds deep symbolic meaning. Pagans associated the wolf with Mars, the god of war, and the legend of Romulus and Remus nurtured by a she-wolf symbolized the warrior spirit of the Romans.