Tiber River
A marble allegory of the Tiber, discovered in Rome in 1512 and now housed at the Louvre.
The Statue of the Tiber river with Romulus and Remus is a large statue from ancient Rome exhibited at the Louvre museum in Paris, France. It is an allegory of the Tiber river that waters the city of Rome. The statue is 3.17 m wide, 2.22 m tall, and 1.31 m deep, carved from Luna marble (Carrara marble). It is a Roman copy of a Hellenistic original.
- Location
- Louvre museum in Paris, France
- Significance
- Allegory of the Tiber river that waters the city of Rome
- Key Landmarks
- Temple of Isis and Serapis, Santa Maria sopra Minerva
- Role in Narrative
- Discovered in 1512, transferred to Louvre after Treaty of Tolentino (1797), offe
- Status
- Exhibited at the Louvre
Lore & Background
The Tiber is depicted as a middle-aged man, bearded and reclining, according to the typical pattern for representations of river gods. In his left hand, an oar represents navigation; in his right hand, a cornucopia represents the nourishing virtues of the river. Under the right arm of the god lies the she-wolf which, according to legend, suckled the twins Romulus and Remus who had been abandoned in the Tiber and would later go on to found the city of Rome. The base of the statue is decorated with reliefs depicting a scene of grazed fields, one of boatmen, and another relating to the tale of Aeneas. The statue was discovered in 1512 in the area of the Iseum Campense in Rome, near the present-day basilica of Santa Maria sopra Minerva. It undoubtedly decorated a fountain situated on the path leading to the sanctuary. It mirrored a statue of the Nile river (now preserved in the Vatican) in which Romulus and Remus are replaced by a crowd of putti or children representing fertility.
In Their Own Story
After their discovery, the two statues were initially preserved in the papal collections. Following the Treaty of Tolentino (1797) between the French Republic and the Papal States, they were transferred to the Louvre, where their presence was attested in 1811. In 1815, after the defeat of Napoleon, the statue of the Nile was returned to the Vatican. However, the statue of the Tiber was offered by the pope Pius VII to the French king Louis XVIII and remained in the Louvre. The image of the statue of the Tiber was widely circulated and it became the subject of numerous marble or bronze replicas. The date of the sculpture is uncertain. It was probably installed after the fire at the Temple of Isis in 80 CE. But it could be from the later Hadrian period (117–138 CE).
Reader's Guide
The statue of the Tiber is a large marble sculpture from ancient Rome, now exhibited at the Louvre museum in Paris. It measures 3.17 m wide, 2.22 m tall, and 1.31 m deep, and is carved from marble taken from Mount Pentelicus near Athens, Greece. The statue depicts the Tiber as a middle-aged, bearded, reclining man, holding an oar in his left hand (representing navigation) and a cornucopia in his right hand (representing the nourishing virtues of the river). Under his right arm lies the she-wolf suckling Romulus and Remus. The base is decorated with reliefs of grazed fields, boatmen, and a scene from the tale of Aeneas. Discovered in 1512 at the site of the Temple of Isis and Serapis in Rome, it originally decorated a fountain. After the Treaty of Tolentino (1797), it was transferred to the Louvre, and in 1815 Pope Pius VII offered it to King Louis XVIII, so it remained in Paris. Its date is uncertain: probably after a fire at the Temple of Isis in 80 CE, or possibly from the Hadrian period (117–138 CE).
Did You Know?
- The statue is 3.17 m wide, 2.22 m tall, and 1.31 m deep.
- It is carved from Luna marble (Carrara marble), not Pentelic marble.
- The statue was discovered in 1512 in the area of the Iseum Campense in Rome, not at the precise site of the Temple of Isis and Serapis.
- It mirrored a statue of the Nile river in which Romulus and Remus are replaced by a crowd of putti or children representing fertility.
- The statue was offered by Pope Pius VII to King Louis XVIII in 1815 and remained in the Louvre.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Tiber River in this setting?
The Tiber is not a character but the vital geographical artery that flows through the heart of Rome, serving as a silent witness to the city's history. It connects key locations like the Palatine Hill and the Forum while separating distinct districts.
What role does the Tiber River play in the story?
It acts as a central stage for political intrigue, smuggling operations, and military battles throughout the series timeline. The river links the sacred areas of power with the grimy docks where soldiers like Lucius Vorenus often arrive.
Why is the Tiber River important to Rome's survival?
As the primary water source and trade route, it functions as the lifeblood that sustains both the economy and daily life in the Eternal City. Its waters facilitate the movement of goods and people between the bustling markets and distant provinces.
What are the key landmarks located on or near the Tiber?
Significant sites include the strategic Milvian Bridge, the sacred Tiber Island, and the banks bordering the Roman Forum. These locations often serve as focal points for major narrative events and historical shifts.
How does the Tiber River's presence affect the characters?
The river constantly reflects the rise and fall of emperors while framing the struggles of common citizens and soldiers alike. Its muddy, life-giving waters pulse through the city, grounding the high-stakes drama in a realistic and enduring setting.