Roman Kingdom

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Rome in 753 BC

Platner - Ancient Rome city growth

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Las cuatro regiones de Roma

Roman Kingdom

The Roman Kingdom (Latin: Regnum Romanum) was the earliest period in the history of Rome, traditionally dated from 753 BC to 509 BC, during which it was ruled by kings. The kingdom laid the foundations for the later Roman Republic and the subsequent Roman Empire. The Roman Kingdom was mythologized in later Roman literature, most famously in the first few books of Livy's Ab Urbe Condita.

Founding and Monarchy

According to Roman tradition, the kingdom was founded in 753 BC by Romulus, its first king and the city's namesake, after whom the Seven Hills of Rome were settled. The origins of Rome, steeped in legend, tell of Romulus and Remus, twin sons of Mars, the god of war, who were raised by a she-wolf. Romulus killed Remus in a dispute and became the ruler of the newly founded city.

The Roman Kingdom was not a hereditary monarchy; instead, kings were elected by the Senate for life. The king held vast authority over the military, judicial, and religious aspects of the kingdom. However, his power was not absolute, as the Roman Senate, composed of the heads of the leading families, wielded significant influence and authority.

Kings of Rome

There were traditionally seven kings of Rome: 1. Romulus (753-717 BC) 2. Numa Pompilius (717-673 BC) 3. Tullus Hostilius (673-642 BC) 4. Ancus Marcius (642-617 BC) 5. Lucius Tarquinius Priscus (616-579 BC) 6. Servius Tullius (578-535 BC) 7. Lucius Tarquinius Superbus (535-509 BC)

Each king is credited with different achievements, such as the establishment of religious institutions, military triumphs, and significant urban and social reforms. The last king, Lucius Tarquinius Superbus, was overthrown in a popular revolt led by Lucius Junius Brutus, marking the end of the Roman Kingdom and the beginning of the Republic.

Social and Political Structure

The Roman Kingdom's society was divided into distinct classes, including the Patricians (aristocratic families) and the Plebeians (commoners). The king appointed a group of advisors known as the Senate, which was initially composed exclusively of Patricians. The Curiate Assembly, made up of Roman citizens, had the power to ratify royal decrees and elect new kings upon the advice of the Senate.

Religion

Religion played a central role in the Roman Kingdom, with the king performing the highest religious duties. The early Roman religion was animistic and pantheistic, incorporating the worship of many gods and spirits associated with nature and the aspects of daily life. The establishment of temples and the formalization of religious practices and priesthoods, including the Vestal Virgins and the Augurs, can be traced back to this period.

Military

The military of the Roman Kingdom was initially based on a citizen militia of hoplites, a heavily armed infantry. Military service was a duty of citizenship, and the early Roman army was organized according to social class, with the wealthiest citizens providing the cavalry (equites) and the lower classes serving as infantry.

Legacy

The Roman Kingdom's legacy is profound, laying the cultural, political, and architectural foundations for the Roman Republic and Empire. Many of Rome's institutions, religious practices, and social structures originated during the kingdom period. The transition from monarchy to republic marked a significant turning point in Roman history, reflecting the Roman value of shared governance over autocratic rule.