21/07/2015
As it is witnessed by several Latin historians (Titus Livius, Dionysius from Halikarnas, first century a.C.), as well as by Virgil in the Aeneid, a turning point of our history is the foundation of the city of Alba (or Albalonga) in Castelli Romani somewhere in time before VII century b.C.. This civilization originated from the conquest of ancient Latium by a group of warriors escaping from the destruction of Troy after the famous war. The daughter of the king of Albalonga, Rea Silvia, gave birth to Romulus and Remus, who layed the foundations of Rome. Eighty years later Albalonga was conquered by Rome: the new city destroyed its creator and its inhabitants were deported and became Romans. The myth of the foundation of the city of Alba, which then originated Rome, is the main subject of the Aeneid, Virgil’s masterpiece.
Considering Dante’s interest towards the history of Rome and the pagan culture, it can be easily he could not but visit the historical places located in Castelli Romani, especially in the period (around 1300 a.C.) where he was living in Rome, which is just a few hours’ walk away.