The story of Rome’s foundation is legendary: twin brothers, Romulus and Remus, abandoned as infants, were nurtured by a she-wolf before growing up to establish the great city of Rome. This powerful origin myth shaped Roman identity, reinforcing the idea that Romans were strong, cunning, and destined for greatness—like wolves.
Surprisingly, ancient China may have also linked itself to the wolf, at least in name. The term “Qin” (Cīna) has long been associated with China, and some scholars argue that its origins are connected to the word for “wolf” in ancient languages. This linguistic connection suggests that both Rome and China may have drawn inspiration from a similar symbolic heritage, one rooted in resilience, ferocity, and survival.
The Wolf’s Role in Roman and Steppe Cultures
The wolf held a special place in Roman mythology, representing the wild and untamable spirit of its people. But Rome was not alone in revering this creature. Many nomadic tribes from the Eurasian steppes, such as the Scythians and the Huns, also saw the wolf as a totemic animal. Among them, the Xiongnu (often linked to the Huns) and the later Turks had myths similar to Rome’s, where great leaders or entire lineages were said to have descended from wolves.
The parallel between the Roman and Turkic origin stories suggests an ancient cultural exchange or a shared mythological motif across Eurasia. This connection becomes even more intriguing when considering the linguistic link between the words used for “China” in various ancient texts and the word for “wolf.”
The Name “China” and Its Surprising Origins
Western countries refer to China as “China,” a name often assumed to derive from the Qin Dynasty (221–206 BCE). However, some historians argue that the name may actually stem from an older term—Cīna—used in Sanskrit and Persian texts. This term, interestingly, resembles words for “wolf” found in Mongolic and Turkic languages:
- Khiyan (乞颜) in Mongolian,
- Chono (丑奴) meaning “wolf” in Mongolic,
- Cīna (赤那) in ancient Sanskrit.
Some scholars propose that the ancient nomadic tribes of the steppes, whom the Chinese called “dog people” or “wolf people” (犬戎, Quǐn Róng), may have influenced this naming. These groups, like the Xiongnu, had deep ties to Central Asia and interacted frequently with both the Chinese and Persian empires. If true, the name “China” may reflect the region’s deep-rooted historical connection to steppe cultures rather than merely a reference to the Qin Dynasty.
A Shared Cultural Legacy?
If the term “Cīna” is indeed linked to wolves, it could mean that both Rome and China—two of the greatest empires in history—were tied to an ancient wolf-related heritage. While the Romans openly embraced their wolfish lineage through their myths, China’s connection to the wolf may have been preserved in linguistic remnants.
This interpretation does not rewrite history, but it does suggest that the cultural and symbolic impact of wolves extended far beyond Rome’s borders. The concept of a people drawing their strength from a wolf ancestor is not unique to Rome—it appears across Eurasia, uniting civilizations that may have seen the wolf as a metaphor for endurance, adaptability, and might.
Conclusion
The legendary she-wolf of Rome is an enduring image of strength and survival. But perhaps Rome was not alone in seeing the wolf as a defining cultural symbol. The linguistic and mythological connections between Rome, the nomadic tribes of Central Asia, and ancient China hint at a shared legacy that stretches across continents.
Whether Rome and China truly share a “wolf heritage” remains a subject of debate. However, this theory opens a fascinating discussion about how myths and language shape our understanding of history. The story of the wolf, it seems, is one that howls across time and geography, echoing from the hills of Rome to the steppes of Asia.