Rhea Silvia

Rhea Silvia, and also known as Ilia, was the mythical mother of the twins Romulus and Remus, who founded the city of Rome.

History
She was the daughter of Numitor, king of Alba Longa, and descended from Aeneas. Numitor's younger brother Amulius seized the throne and killed Numitor's son, then forced Rhea Silvia to become a Vestal Virgin, a priestess of the goddess Vesta. As Vestal Virgins were sworn to celibacy for a period of thirty years, this would ensure the line of Numitor had no heirs.

However, Rhea Silvia conceived and gave birth to the twins Romulus and Remus, when the god Mars had discovered her in the forest and seduced her.

When Amulius learned of the birth he buried Rhea Silvia in the ground to suffocate and die and ordered a servant to kill the twins. But the servant showed mercy and set them adrift on the river Tiber, which, overflowing, left the infants in a pool by the bank. There Lupa, who had just lost her own cubs, found them and cared for them. Tiberinus saved Rhea Silvia before she could die and married her.

Romulus and Remus went on to found Rome, overthrow Amulius, and reinstate Numitor as King of Alba Longa.

The Mark of Athena
Rhea silvia and her husband help Annabeth to start off her quest for the Mark of Athena in Rome, Italy.