Notes on the Monarchical Period of Rome

Chronology of the Monarchical Period

• Timeframe: 753 BC (foundation of Rome) to 510-509 BC (establishment of the Republic)
• Kings of Rome: 7 Kings
  1. Romulus
  2. Numa Pompilius
  3. Tullus Hostilius
  4. Ancus Marcius
  5. Tarquinius Priscus
  6. Servius Tullius
  7. Tarquinius Superbus

Kings by Origin

• Romulus and Tullus: Romans
• Numa and Ancus: Sabines
• Tarquinius Priscus to Tarquinius Superbus: Etruscans

Challenges of Historical Sources

• Literary sources are often insufficient; archaeological evidence is crucial.
• "Annales Pontificum" are not exhaustive regarding the monarchical period.

Monarchical Features

• Elective Monarchy: The king was chosen from noble families by an assembly.
• Council of Elders: Composed of noble heads, precursor to the Roman Senate.

Romulus's Reign

• Alleged tyrannical behavior (e.g., throwing accused individuals from the Tarpeian Rock) and mysterious disappearance.
• Various legends about his death: assassination by Senators or miraculous ascension.
• Dionysius of Halicarnassus: noted tension between Romulus's rule and the senators.

Religious Structure

• Rex Sacrorum: Priest role in monarchical rites, indicating continuity post-monarchy.
• Interrex: Interim magistrate during king's death until new election, indicating transition.
• Hierarchy of Priests: Including Flamini, Pontifex Maximus, and Augurs.
• Vestal Virgins: Guardians of the sacred fire, crucial to Roman religion.

Romulus's Contributions

• Established political institutions, including a proto-senate of 100 patricians.
• Divided the population into curiae for religious and military organization.

Sabine Influence

• Interaction with Sabines; rape of Sabine women to secure future generations.
• Co-regency with Titus Tatius (Sabine King).

Numa Pompilius

• Successor to Romulus; established religious institutions and guilds.
• Introduced calendar reforms, adding two months.

Tullus Hostilius and Ancus Marcius

• Tullus: known for military campaigns, destruction of Alba Longa.
• Ancus: founded Ostia and expanded Rome's territory.

Etruscan Kings

• Tarquinius Priscus: Introduced significant infrastructure; Etruscan influence confirmed by archaeology.
• Servius Tullius: Born of humble origins; notable for administrative reforms and the Servian Wall.

Servian Reforms

• Established the centuriate assembly based on wealth and military capability.
• Implemented census practices every five years.

Tarquinius Superbus

• Last king; characterized by tyranny and despotism.
• Overthrown, leading to the establishment of the Republic.
• His reign marked a shift to dynastic succession rather than elective monarchy.

Conclusion

• The monarchical period holds significant importance in shaping Rome's political and religious foundations, setting the stage for future governance and societal organization.