Who Were the 7 Kings of Rome in Order?
The history of Rome is rich and captivating, with its legendary beginnings rooted in the reign of its seven kings. These kings, known as the Seven Kings of Rome, played a significant role in shaping the early development of the city. Let’s take a closer look at each king and their contributions:
Romulus
Romulus, the founder and first king of Rome, holds a prominent place in Roman mythology. According to legend, he established the city on April 21st, 753 BC. Romulus is also credited with creating many foundational institutions, such as the Senate and the Roman calendar.
Numa Pompilius
Numa Pompilius succeeded Romulus as the second king of Rome. He was known for his wisdom and piety.
Numa was instrumental in establishing religious practices and rituals that formed an integral part of Roman culture. During his reign, he also implemented various laws to govern the growing city.
Tullus Hostilius
Tullus Hostilius took over as the third king after Numa Pompilius’s death. Unlike his predecessor, Tullus was known for his militaristic nature. During his reign, he led Rome into several wars against neighboring cities like Alba Longa and Sabine tribes.
Ancus Marcius
Ancus Marcius became Rome’s fourth king after Tullus Hostilius’s demise. He focused on expanding Rome’s territory through diplomacy and conquests. Ancus Marcius built important infrastructures such as bridges across the Tiber River to facilitate trade.
Tarquinius Priscus
Tarquinius Priscus, also known as Lucius Tarquinius Priscus, was the fifth king of Rome. He was of Etruscan origin and brought significant cultural influence to Rome. Tarquinius Priscus is remembered for his ambitious construction projects, including the Circus Maximus and the Cloaca Maxima.
Servius Tullius
Servius Tullius succeeded Tarquinius Priscus as the sixth king. He introduced important reforms, such as the Servian Constitution, which divided Roman citizens into different classes based on wealth. Servius Tullius also constructed the Servian Wall, a defensive wall surrounding Rome.
Tarquinius Superbus
Tarquinius Superbus, also known as Lucius Tarquinius Superbus or Tarquin the Proud, was the seventh and final king of Rome. His reign was marked by tyranny and oppression. The rape of Lucretia by his son sparked a rebellion that led to the downfall of the monarchy and the establishment of the Roman Republic.
In conclusion, the Seven Kings of Rome played integral roles in shaping early Roman history. From Romulus, who founded Rome itself, to Tarquinius Superbus, whose tyrannical rule led to the collapse of monarchy, each king left their mark on Rome’s political structure, culture, and infrastructure.