Who Were the 8 Kings of Rome?
The history of ancient Rome is often divided into two main periods: the period of the Roman Republic and the period of the Roman Empire. However, before these two eras, there was a time when Rome was ruled by kings.
These early monarchs played a crucial role in shaping the future of Rome. In this article, we will explore the lives and accomplishments of the eight kings who ruled Rome.
Romulus: The Founding Father
The first king of Rome was Romulus, who is also considered its legendary founder. According to ancient Roman mythology, Romulus and his twin brother Remus were abandoned as infants and were raised by a she-wolf. As they grew older, they decided to establish a city on the banks of the Tiber River.
Romulus became the first king and named the city after himself – Rome. He laid down its boundaries and established many traditions that would shape Roman culture for centuries to come.
Numa Pompilius: The Lawmaker
After Romulus’ mysterious disappearance, Numa Pompilius became Rome’s second king. Unlike Romulus, Numa was known for his peaceful reign and focus on religious practices and laws.
Numa is credited with creating many religious institutions in Rome and establishing a calendar to mark important religious festivals. His reign set a precedent for future Roman kings to uphold religious traditions.
Tullus Hostilius: The Warrior King
Tullus Hostilius succeeded Numa as the third king of Rome. Unlike his predecessor, Tullus was known for his military prowess and expansionist policies.
During his reign, Tullus waged war against neighboring cities and tribes to expand Rome’s territory. He also established the Roman Senate, which became a vital institution in the Republic and Empire eras.
Ancus Marcius: The Builder
Ancus Marcius, the fourth king of Rome, focused on infrastructure development and expansion. He constructed several important buildings and bridges, including the first prison in Rome.
Ancus Marcius also extended Roman control over territories along the Tiber River, strengthening Rome’s position as a dominant city in central Italy.
Tarquinius Priscus: The Etruscan King
Tarquinius Priscus was the first king of Rome who was not of Roman descent. He was an Etruscan nobleman who brought significant influence and cultural changes to Rome.
During his reign, Tarquinius Priscus initiated various construction projects, including the building of the Circus Maximus – a massive entertainment venue for chariot races. He also introduced the Roman tradition of lictors – attendants who carried fasces, a symbol of authority.
Servius Tullius: The Reformer
Servius Tullius was an ambitious king who introduced significant reforms during his reign. He implemented a new system for organizing citizens into classes based on their wealth and military capabilities.
Servius Tullius is also credited with constructing the Servian Wall – a defensive barrier that protected Rome from external threats for centuries.
Lucius Tarquinius Superbus: The Tyrant King
The last king of Rome was Lucius Tarquinius Superbus, also known as Tarquin the Proud. His reign marked the end of monarchy in Rome due to his despotic rule.
During his reign, Tarquinius Superbus faced numerous uprisings and conspiracies. His oppressive rule led to the overthrow of the monarchy and the establishment of the Roman Republic.
In Conclusion
The eight kings of Rome played a significant role in laying the foundation for the future Roman Republic and Empire. Each king brought unique qualities and contributions to Rome’s history, from Romulus’ founding of the city to Tarquinius Superbus’ despotic reign that led to the birth of a new form of government.
Understanding these early rulers helps us comprehend the origins of Roman society and its subsequent development into one of the most influential civilizations in history.