The mother of Romulus and Remus was Rhea Silvia, a Vestal Virgin and the daughter of Numitor, the rightful king of Alba Longa. Numitor's brother, Amulius, had overthrown him and forced Rhea Silvia to become a Vestal Virgin, which required her to remain chaste. However, the god Mars visited her in the temple and she became pregnant with Romulus and Remus. Amulius ordered the twins to be thrown into the Tiber River, but they were rescued by a she-wolf who nursed them. The twins were eventually raised by a shepherd and his wife and grew up to become strong and courageous warriors. They returned to Alba Longa, overthrew Amulius, and restored Numitor to the throne. They then founded the city of Rome on the banks of the Tiber River.