Can the Lupercale Cave Prove Rome's Mythology?

In a fascinating story out of Rome, archeologists are continuing to excavate what is believed to be the Cave of the Lupercale -- the cave in which Romulus and Remus, the legendary twin founders of the city, were nursed by a she-wolf. The chamber is located beneath the original palace of the emperor Augustus, on the Palatine Hill, which was home to the the rich and powerful during Rome's heyday. The cave's discovery was first announced last year.

Project archeologist Andrea Carandini says that the discovery of this cave and says other ancient structures are evidence that the myths about the city's founders may actually be rooted in fact. Carandini adds that the idea of Romulus as founder of the city can likely be verified by historical sources. However, historians caution against using archeological finds as prove of myths and legends. Christopher Smith of Scotland's University of St. Andrews says that even if artifacts are found that reference the story of Romulus and Remus, it doesn't mean that the twins lived in the cave; rather, it would indicate that the cave is where the ancients celebrated the legend of the twins. Mario Torelli of Italy's University of Perugia says the chamber is actually a 16th century grotto, built underneath the Palatine palace.

In addition to the historians, archeologists themselves don't seem to agree about this cave being the Lupercale. Adriano La Regina was in charge of excavations in Rome for nearly thirty years, and says that ancient sources prove that this cave is not what Carandini thinks it is.

Regardless of whether this cave is the Lupercale or not, it's still a really cool story. I'm curious to see what they ultimately discover about the site.