Initially, Ancient Rome was a small, farming town located on the Tiber River. As the location provided access to trading routes, Rome began to grow in size and wealth. Rome was rapidly able to prosper from the transition of a farm town to a large city under the rule of the 7 kings of Rome - Romulus, Numa Pompilius, Tullus Hostilius, Ancus Marcius, Tarquinius Priscus, Servius Tullius, Tarquinius Superbus.
Rome was founded on April 21st, 753 BCE by two twin brothers Romulus and Remus. There was a struggle between the brothers over who would rule the city which resulted in Romulus killing Remus.
Romulus became the first king of Rome. Romulus ruled from 753-715 BCE. In order to populate the town, Romulus recruited men and merchants from his native city. To provide wives for the men of Rome, Romulus abducted women from the Sabines which was known as the “rape of the Sabine women”. Consequently, Sabine king Titus Tatius attacked the city because of Romulus’ act. The conflict settled with a truce- Sabine king Titus Tatius co-ruled with Romulus until his death in 648 BCE.
Numa Pompilius was the second king of Rome and ruled from 715-673 BCE. Under Pompilius, the religious calendar had the addition of January and February and other religious institutions of Vestal Virgins, cults of Mars, Jupiters, and Romulus, Temple of Janus, and the office of pontifex maximus was created. Relative to Romulus, Numa was more peaceful with his ruling of Rome.
Tullus Hostilius was the third king of Rome and ruled from 673-642 BCE. Tullus was the warrior king and expanded Rome by welcoming the Albans into Rome and increasing the population. Tullus included the Alban nobles into the Senate, Curia Hostilia, and the cavalry force. There were many military victories under Tullus as he defeated the Alba, Fidenaem and the Veientines.
Ancus Martius was the fourth king of Rome and ruled from 642-617 BCE. There were many legendary accomplishments under his reign. Ancus conquered neighboring cities and thereby expanded Roman territory. The Aventine Hill was settled outside Rome, Rome was extended beyond the Tiber River to the Janiculum HIll, and the port of Ostia was found at the mouth of the Tiber River.
Lucius Tarquinius Priscus was the fifth king of Rome and ruled from 616-579 BCE. Lucius’ father was Corinthian and after moving to Rome he became the guardian to the sons of Ancus Martius. During his reign, he defeated the Sabines, Etruscans, and Latins, increased senatorial rank by adding 100 new senators, expanded Etruscan role in government, and introduced the Roman Circus Games. Lucius also undertook great construction projects such as Temple of Jupiter Capitolinus, Cloaca Maxima, and a wall around the city.
Servius Tullius was the sixth king of Rome and ruled from 578-535 BCE. Under Servius, a rigid class structure was created. Servius created the first census in Rome in order to determine the number of representatives needed in the Senate per each area. The Servian Constitution was created to divide the Roman citizens into five classes according to wealth.
Tarquinius Superbus was the last and seventh king of Rome and ruled from 534-510 BCE. Tarquin murdered Servius Tullius and established a despotism thus his name was Superbus- “the proud.” There was a reign of terror where many senators were killed. Tarquin’s son Sextus raped a noblewoman Lucretia which caused a group of senators led by Lucius Junius Brutus to raise a revolt. The Tarquin family was eventually expelled from Rome due to their cruel rule and 509 BC was the end of monarchy for Rome.
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