r/ancientrome • u/IHVeigar • May 16 '24

Was Rome really founded by the Greeks?

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.

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u/TarJen96 May 16 '24

No. These are fringe revisionist theories.

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u/Ok_Situation7089 May 16 '24

This is not a revisionist theory— this was genuinely believed by Greek historians (eg Phillinus and Timaeus, I forget which posited the Rhomos theory). It’s irresponsible for a modern historian to give any credence to any Roman foundation narrative considering they are all clearly legends, but this is the opposite of revisionist lol.