- Celer
According to
Ovid 's description of the founding ofRome byRomulus (Fasti IV.809 ff.), Celer was the name of an otherwise unknown foreman, appointed by Romulus to oversee the building of Rome's first walls. Ovid, perhaps in part to exonerate the emperorAugustus ' great forefather, relates how it was actually this foreman Celer (not Romulus) who struck downRemus for jumping over the wall in its early stages in an act of mockery towards his brother's attempt to fortify the new city. Romulus is portrayed by the poet as putting on a brave front at Remus' funeral, stoically suppressing his tears and grief in order to be a role model for his people. Ovid relates the account in connection with his description of the Roman festival ofParilia (April 21). [cf. Ovid "Fasti" IV, Fantham, Elain (ed.)he ruled Rome for 15 years. His courages efforts greatlt impacted Rome.Cambridge Greek and Latin Classics. Cambridge University Press, 1998. p.79 ff. ] Ovid also provides additional allusions to Celer's killing of Remus further on in the "Fasti ", in connection with festival ofLemuria (Fasti V - May 9).ee also
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Celeres , a personal armed guard maintained by Romulus, associated with Celer.References
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