Numa Pompilius

Numa_Pompilius,_from_Promptuarii_Iconum_Insigniorum

Numa_Pompilius

Numa_Pompilius_Moitte_Cour_Carrée_Louvre

Numa Pompilius
King of Rome
Reign	715–673 BC
Predecessor	Romulus
Successor	Tullus Hostilius
Born	753 BC Cures, Sabine
Died	673 BC Rome
Spouse	Tatia

Numa Pompilius was the legendary second King of Rome, succeeding Romulus. He is traditionally credited with a reign from 715 to 673 BC. Numa was a member of the Sabine tribe and was known for his wisdom, piety, and peaceful nature.

Early Life

Numa Pompilius was born on April 21, 753 BC, in Cures, a town in the Sabine territory. He was the son of Pomponius and was known for his devotion to religious practices and his philosophical outlook on life. Numa was married to Tatia, the daughter of Titus Tatius, the Sabine king who co-ruled with Romulus.

Reign as King

After the death of Romulus, Rome was in a state of interregnum. The Roman Senate eventually chose Numa Pompilius as the new king, believing his peaceful nature would benefit the city. Numa's reign is noted for its focus on religious and cultural institutions.

Religious Reforms

Numa is credited with establishing many of Rome's early religious and cultural institutions. He is said to have founded the Pontifex Maximus and the Vestal Virgins, as well as the Temple of Janus. Numa also introduced the Roman calendar, dividing the year into twelve months and adding the months of January and February.

Legal and Social Reforms

Numa's reign was marked by the introduction of various legal and social reforms. He is believed to have established the fetial law, which regulated the declaration of war and the making of treaties. Numa also promoted agriculture and the peaceful resolution of conflicts.

Death and Legacy

Numa Pompilius died in 673 BC and was succeeded by Tullus Hostilius. His reign is often remembered as a time of peace and religious devotion. Numa's influence on Roman religion and culture was profound, and many of his institutions continued to play a significant role in Roman society for centuries.

Related Pages

• Romulus
• Tullus Hostilius
• Sabine
• Roman calendar
• Pontifex Maximus
• Vestal Virgins
• Temple of Janus
• Fetial law