NRCE Monarchy Novice

The Roman Monarchy

The Roman Monarchy lasted from 753–510 BCE. The Roman Monarchy consisted of seven kings.

Romulus

The first king of Rome was Romulus.

Lineage

The mother of Romulus was Rhea Silvia; the father of Romulus was Mars (the God). Romulus and his brother Remus were thrown into the Tiber River, recovered by a she-wolf, and raised by the shepherd Faustulus. The wife of Faustulus was Acca Larentia.

Romulus and Remus

Romulus had a brother, Remus. There was a dispute over where the city would be settled, so Romulus settled the Palatine hill; Remus settled the Aventine hill. According to one account, Romulus is said to have seen 12 vultures while Remus was said to have seen 6, meaning Romulus had superior augury and had say over where the city should be. Remus leaps over the walls on Romulus’ hill and is killed by Romulus. Rome is founded on April 21st, 753 BCE.

Rome Under Romulus

As king, Romulus selects 100 of the most noble and wealthy fathers to be patricians and senators.

The purpose of the Rape of the Sabine Women was to populate Rome. The Rape of the Sabine Women causes Rome to go with war with the Sabines. In one famous story Tarpeia, the daughter of the Capitoline citadel commander Tarpeius, lets the Sabines into the city in exchange for “what they wear on their left arms”. Tarpeia is crushed by the shields of the Sabine men. The Sabine Hersilia becomes the wife of Romulus. After conciliation between the Romans and the Sabines, Romulus co-rules with the Sabine Titus Tatius.

Death of Romulus

According to legend, Romulus disappeared in a storm or whirlwind, during or shortly after offering public sacrifice on the Campus Martius.

Numa Pompilius

The second king of Rome was Numa Pompilius.

Numa Pompilius was a Sabine, son-in-law of Titus Tatius.

Unlike Romulus, Numa Pompilius was not warlike.

The Egeria, a nymph, was the lover of Numa Pompilius.

Numa Pomplilius established the Pontifex Maximus—the high priest of Rome.

Tullus Hostilius

The third king of Rome was Tullus Hostilius.

Tullus Hostilius was Latin in origin, and was warlike in nature.

During the conflict with Alba Longa, the Roman triplets of the Horatii family fought against the Alban triplets of the Curiatii family to determine the victor. The Horatii won.

During the reign of Tullus Hostilius, a plague falls on Rome. Tullus tries to fix things but does the ceremonies wrong and is killed when his house is struck by lightning; Tullus burns in the ensuing fire.

Ancus Marcius

The fourth king of Rome was Ancus Marcius.

Ancus Marcius was a Sabine and grandson of Numa Pompilius.

Ancus Marcius establishes a priesthood called Fetiales who were assigned to mediate disputes and declare war.

Tarquinius Priscus

The fifth king of Rome was Tarquinius Priscus.

According to legend, an eagle took the cap of Tarquinius Priscus and returned it shortly after—an event which was interpreted to mean that he would become king.

Although typically considered the first Roman king from Etruria, making him Etruscan, Tarquinius Priscus was originally from Corinth and originally named Lucumo.

Servius Tullius

The sixth king of Rome was Servius Tullius.

Legend has it that the head of Servius Tullius was covered in flame but he felt no harm; Tanaquil interpreted this as destiny and that he would one day rule.

Tarquinius Superbus

The seventh king of Rome was Tarquinius Superbus.

Because Tarquinius Superbus had no right to the throne, his reign was based on fear.

Tarquinius Superbus built or completed the Temple to Jupiter Capitolinus, which was perhaps started by Tarquinius Priscus.

Tarquinius Superbus built the Cloaca Maxima—the first major sewer of Rome.

Tarquinius Superbus finished the Circus Maximus, which was definitely started by Tarquinius Priscus.

Rape of Lucretia

The son of Tarquinius Superbus, Sextus Tarquinius, raped Lucretia, the wife of Lucius Tarquinius Collatinus.