How Long Was Rome a Kingdom?

By Alice Nichols

Rome, the city known for its rich history and grandeur, has gone through various stages of governance. One of the earliest forms of government that Rome experienced was monarchy.

But how long did Rome remain a kingdom? Let’s delve into the fascinating history of Rome’s monarchical period.

The Founding of Rome

The legendary founding of Rome dates back to 753 BC. According to mythological accounts, Romulus, one of the twin brothers raised by a she-wolf, became the first king of Rome. Romulus established the city on the Palatine Hill and laid the foundation for what would become one of the most powerful empires in ancient history.

The Seven Kings

After Romulus, six other kings ruled over Rome in succession. These kings collectively are known as the “Seven Kings” or “Rex Romanorum.”

  • 1. Romulus: As mentioned earlier, Romulus was the first king and ruled from 753 BC to 716 BC.
  • 2. Numa Pompilius: Numa Pompilius succeeded Romulus and reigned from 715 BC to 673 BC.
  • 3. Tullus Hostilius: Tullus Hostilius took over after Numa Pompilius and ruled from 673 BC to 642 BC.
  • 4.

    Ancus Marcius: Ancus Marcius succeeded Tullus Hostilius and reigned from 642 BC to 617 BC.

  • 5. Lucius Tarquinius Priscus: Also known as Tarquin the Elder, Lucius Tarquinius Priscus ruled Rome from 616 BC to 579 BC.
  • 6. Servius Tullius: Servius Tullius succeeded Tarquin the Elder and governed from 578 BC to 535 BC.
  • 7. Lucius Tarquinius Superbus: Also known as Tarquin the Proud, Lucius Tarquinius Superbus was the last king of Rome, reigning from 534 BC to 509 BC.

The Overthrow of the Monarchy

The monarchical period of Rome came to an end with the overthrow of Lucius Tarquinius Superbus. His tyrannical rule and various incidents, including the rape of Lucretia, led to a rebellion against him. This rebellion marked a significant turning point in Roman history.

In 509 BC, Lucius Junius Brutus, along with other prominent figures, led a revolt against the monarchy and established a republic. This event marked the beginning of Rome’s Republican era and paved the way for a more inclusive form of governance.

In Conclusion

Rome’s monarchical period lasted from its legendary founding in 753 BC until the overthrow of Lucius Tarquinius Superbus in 509 BC. During this time, seven kings ruled over Rome, each contributing to its growth and development.

The transition from monarchy to republic was a crucial moment in Roman history, shaping its future as a dominant power in the ancient world. By incorporating HTML styling elements such as bold text, underlined text,

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