Ancient Rome

Tullus Hostilius (r. 673 BC – 641 BC) was the third of the legendary Kings of Rome. He succeeded Numa Pompilius, and was succeeded by Ancus Marcius. His successful wars with Alba Longa, Fidenae and Veii shadow forth the earlier conquests of Latin territory and the first extension of the Roman territory beyond the walls … Continue reading »

Numa Pompilius (753-673 BC; king of Rome, 717-673 BC), according to legend, was the second king of Rome, succeeding Romulus. After Romulus died, Romans in the city elected a Sabine man to be king, so as to make him loyal to both tribes in Rome. In 717 BC, shortly after the death of Romulus, Numa … Continue reading »

Reign of Romulus Romulus (c. 771 BC–c. 717 BC) and Remus (c. 771 BC–c. 753 BC) Romulus was not only Rome’s first king but also the city’s founder. In 753 B.C., Romulus began building the city upon the Palatine Hill. After founding Rome, he invited criminals, runaway slaves, exiles, and other undesirables by granting them … Continue reading »

From founding to Empire Rome’s early history is shrouded in legend. According to Roman tradition, the city was founded by the twins Romulus and Remus on 21 April 753 BC. Archaeological evidence supports the view that Rome grew from pastoral settlements on the Palatine Hill built in the area of the future Roman Forum. While … Continue reading »