Rome April 22 (IANS) Celebrations took place across Rome on Saturday as the capital of Italy commemorated its founding 2 771 years ago.
Mayor Virginia Raggi placed a wreath at the Altar of the Fatherland a 19th-century monument in central Rome in honor of King Victor Emmanuel II who presided over the unification of Italy Xinhua reported.
"Happy birthday Rome! Today we celebrate the passing of 2 771 years from the founding of the Eternal City " Raggi tweeted.
"Three days of events to create community and celebrate together."
Official events at City Hall included a prize-giving ceremony to school children who participated in a contest about the city to local police officers for outstanding service and to beloved actor and Rome native Gigi Proietti.
As well students from Rome s International High School with Chinese option -- which offers an in-depth Chinese language and Chinese studies curriculum -- read a passage from the Aeneid a Latin epic poem written by ancient Roman poet Virgil in 29-19 BC which tells the legend of Aeneas a Trojan warrior who fled to Italy.
According to legend his descendants Romulus and Remus -- the twins who were raised by a she-wolf and who are the symbol of Rome as well as its soccer team AS Roma -- eventually founded the Eternal City.
Virgil is Dante s guide in the Divine Comedy the Renaissance narrative poem that is considered to be one of the great works of world literature.
Celebrations for Rome s birthday which began on Friday and last into Sunday include exhibitions concerts activities for children street theater poetry readings and a parade in ancient Roman costumes at the Circus Maximus.
--IANS
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