The AS Roma football club’s logo is more than just a design; it’s a piece of Rome’s ancient history. The logo shows a she-wolf, known as Lupa, nursing two babies, Romulus and Remus. This image comes from a famous Roman legend that tells the story of how the city of Rome was founded.
The Legend of Romulus and Remus
Back in the 8th century BC, before Rome existed, there were two twin brothers, Romulus and Remus. They were the sons of Rhea Silvia, a priestess, and Mars, the god of war. Their grandfather, King Numitor, was the rightful ruler of a city called Alba Longa. But his brother, Amulius, took the throne by force and saw the twins as a threat to his rule.
To protect his power, Amulius ordered that the newborn twins be thrown into the Tiber River. But instead of drowning, the twins were saved by Lupa, a she-wolf who found them on the riverbank. Lupa cared for the boys, feeding and protecting them in her den until they were discovered by a shepherd named Faustulus.
Faustulus took the twins home and raised them as his own. As Romulus and Remus grew up, they became strong and brave. When they learned about their true heritage, they decided to take action. They overthrew Amulius and restored their grandfather, Numitor, to the throne.
With their mission complete, the twins set out to build their own city. But they couldn’t agree on where to build it. Romulus wanted to build on the Palatine Hill, while Remus preferred the Aventine Hill. This disagreement led to a tragic fight, where Romulus killed Remus. Romulus then founded the city of Rome, naming it after himself, and became its first king.
The Meaning Behind the Logo
When AS Roma was founded in 1927, the club chose the image of Lupa nursing Romulus and Remus as its logo. This symbol wasn’t just picked randomly; it was chosen to honor the legendary origins of Rome. The she-wolf, Lupa, represents strength, protection, and loyalty—qualities that are important to both the city and the football club. The twins, Romulus and Remus, symbolize brotherhood and unity, showing the importance of teamwork and togetherness.
The colors of the logo, maroon and orange, are also significant. They reflect the colors of the city of Rome and help strengthen the connection between the football club and the city’s heritage.
This logo is more than just a symbol for AS Roma; it’s a powerful reminder of the city’s rich history. It connects the players and fans to the ancient story of how Rome was founded, serving as a source of pride and inspiration. For AS Roma and its supporters, the logo represents not just a football team, but a deep connection to the history and spirit of Rome.
