Etruscan She-Wolf, c. 500 B.C. (Capitol Hill Museum, Rome). Legend says that Rome was founded by twin brothers Romulus (hence "Rome") and Remus (hence "Uncle Remus"). Orphaned as babies in the wilderness, they were taken in and breast-fed by a generous she-wolf. They grew up, conquered their neighbors, and gave the wilds a much-appreciated touch of civilization by building a wall — thus founding the city — in 753 B.C. This story must have seemed an appropriate metaphor for the Romans, as it explained how such a "civilized" people (as they considered themselves) could have grown out of such "barbarian" surroundings. This threesome has long been the symbol of Rome. You'll see copies everywhere in the Eternal City — atop columns, decorating fountains, making cameo appearances in Roman paintings, and on city medallions.