Capitoline Wolf

Welcome to Capitoline Wolf, a historic landmark located at 601 Broad Street in downtown Rome, Georgia. This remarkable statue, an exact replica of the renowned Etruscan art from the Palazzo dei Conservatori on Ancient Capitoline Hill in Rome, Italy, stands proudly in front of the historic City Hall.

The statue depicts the legendary tale of Romulus and Remus, the twin sons of Mars, the god of war, and Rhea Silvia, daughter of King Numitor of Alba Longa. According to myth, the twins were abandoned and cast into the Tiber River, only to be rescued and nurtured by a she-wolf. This iconic image captures the essence of their story, which culminates with Romulus founding the city of Rome after a tragic conflict with his brother.

Since its arrival in Georgia's Rome, the Capitoline Wolf has been the center of both appreciation and controversy. In its early years, the statue's depiction of the myth was considered shocking by some, leading to occasional draping during significant city events. In 1933, one of the twins was mysteriously kidnapped, but thanks to the efforts of the Rome Rotary Club and International Rotary, a replacement was sent from Italy.

During WWII, the statue was temporarily removed and stored for safety due to threats of vandalism. It was triumphantly restored to its rightful place in 1952, thanks to the dedication of local citizens and art enthusiasts.

The Capitoline Wolf also played a part in a momentous occasion on July 16, 1996, when the Olympic Torch Relay paused at the statue on its journey to the Centennial Olympic Games in Atlanta. A bronze marker by local artist Tim Rush commemorates this historic event on the City Hall lawn.

Visit the Capitoline Wolf to experience a piece of Rome's rich history and mythological heritage, right in the heart of Georgia.