- The Kings of Rome ruled between 753-510 BCE. The Roman Kings were elected from one of the Three Tribes of Rome, but once voted in their power was Absolute and they ruled by Decree.
- The Kings lived in the ‘Regia’, next to the Temple of Vesta, and conducted business in the Forum Romanum. They wore the Toga Trabea
List of Roman Kings (753-510 BCE)
- 753-716 BCE Romulus
- 715-674 BCE Numa Pompilius
- 673-642 BCE Tullus Hostilius
- 642-617 BCE Ancus Marcius
- 616-579 BCE L. Tarqinius Priscus
- 578-535 BCE Servius Tullius
- Rome’s last Good King. He passed the Servian Reforms.
- 535-510 BCE L. Tarquinius Superbus
Election
- A new King was chosen from one of the Three Tribes of Rome
- First he was proposed by the Senate, then elected by the Comitia Curiata.
- Before taking the Crown, an Augur had to confirm the King’s suitability to be Head Priest
- Finally, the Comitia Curiata then voted him Imperium.
Duties
Once voted in, the King’s Power was Absolute and he ruled by Decree.
- The King was the Head of the Roman Church
- The King was Head of the Military and held Imperium
- The King was in Command Imperium of the City of Rome and when absent, delegated this to the Praefectus Urbanus
- The King was the Principal Executive Magistrate (Chief Lawmaker)
- The King was the Chief Judge
- One exception to his Powers: the Power to Declare War. This needed to be approved by the Senate and the Comitia Curiata.
Government
There were Three Assemblies who advised the King:
- The Senate – acted as advisers on affairs of State.
- Comitia Curiata – acted as advisers on affairs of State.
- Comitia Calata – acted as advisers on religious affairs..
Location
- Government was conducted in the Forum Romanum
- The King lived at the ‘Regia’, the King’s Palace next to the Temple of Vestus, and which was subsequently occupied by the Pontifex Maximus
Dress
- The Roman Kings wore the Toga Trabea – white with a Purple stripe.
- They were accompanied by 12 Lictors.