How the god Mars impregnated the first Roman king’s mother

remains a mystery.

注：Romulus was Rome’s legendary first king and the city’s founder.  His mother was Rhea Silvia.  According to Livy's account, Silvia was the daughter of Numitor, king of Alba Longa, and descended from Aeneas. Numitor's younger brother Amulius seized the throne and killed Numitor's son, then forced Rhea Silvia to become a Vestal Virgin, a priestess of the goddess Vesta. As Vestal Virgins were sworn to celibacy, this would ensure the line of Numitor had no heirs. Rhea, however, became pregnant with the twins Romulus and Remus by the god Mars.  According to Plutarch, she believed this because she saw her children being cared for by a wood pecker and a wolf – animals sacred to Mars.