Romulus and Remus’ New City
After Amulius’ death, the brothers rejected the offer of the crown of Alba Longa. They left seeking to find their own city. The brothers quarreled over the location of the foundation of their new city. Romulus wished to start the city on Palatine Hill. While Remus wished to found it on the Aventine Hill.
The Argument and Augury
In order to settle their disagreement, they agreed to consult augury. So, each brother prepared a sacred space and began to watch for birds. Remus claimed to have seen six birds. While Romulus said he saw twelve birds. Romulus asserted that he was the clear winner by six birds. But, Remus argued that since he saw his six birds first, he had won. The brothers remained at a standstill and continued to quarrel until Romulus began to build walls around his hill.