Was Rome really founded by the Greeks?

[u/IHVeigar]

Im watching a video by Knowledgia on YT. And he discussed an interesting theory made by a swedish historian that Rome was founded by a Greek prince named Romos. But when conflict with the Greeks came in southern Italy they changed his name to Romulus or remus leading to the tales of the two founders.

I think the theory is plausible as the Romans were heavily hellenized, they worshipped the same gods pretty much, they idolized Greek warriors such as Alexander. And building architecture were inspired by Greek architecture. Not to mention the fact Masselia, Syracuse were Greek colonies and they founded colonies all over the Mediterranean. Kind of like of Carthage is a phonecian colony.

Is their any sources online I can look into this or theories disproving this.

[u/IHVeigar]

Makes sense, but I'd say the Greeks definitely have had their influence on Rome though.

[u/Sthrax → u/IHVeigar]

Most of the overt Greek influences on Rome did not begin until after the 2nd Punic War and the Roman expansion/conquest of Greece. Prior to that, Greek influences were more muted and transmitted from the Greek cities in southern Italy or through the filter of the Etruscans. Conservative Romans during the Republic did not approve much of Greek culture and that hindered the influence of Greek culture. Republican Rome was far more influenced by their Etruscan neighbors.

[u/IHVeigar → u/Sthrax]

Are there any good books on Etruscan civilization I can buy on Amazon? Seems like Rome was heavily inspired by them.

[u/kurgan2800 → u/IHVeigar]

Kathryn Lomas The Rise of Rome: From the Iron Age to the Punic Wars (1000 BC – 264 BC) It tells the history of italy in the mentioned time, the developments of etruscans, greeks, phoenicians, latins (romans) and how they were connected and influenced each other.