Roma monarchica

Summary

According to legend, Rome was founded on April 21, 753 BC by Romulus, a descendant of the Trojan hero Aeneas. Initially governed by four kings, including Romulus, who established the Senate, and Numa Pompilius, who reformed the calendar, the monarchy saw the rise of the Etruscan kings. Tarquin the Proud's tyranny led to his expulsion and the establishment of the Republic. The growing discontent among patricians against the Etruscans reflected the struggles of the plebeians, who, while free, lacked political power and economic benefits, highlighting the class divisions within early Roman society.

Takeaways

• 🏛️ Rome was founded on April 21, 753 BC by Romulus, a descendant of the Trojan hero Aeneas.
• 👑 The early governance of Rome consisted of four kings from Latin and Sabine tribes during the monarchy.
• 📜 Romulus established the Senate and the Comitia Curiata, and was later deified as Quirinus.
• 🔔 Numa Pompilius introduced new religious cults and reformed the Roman calendar.
• ⚔️ The story of the duel between the Horatii and Curiatii is linked to Tullus Hostilius's conquest of Alba Longa.
• 🌊 Ancus Marcius built the port of Ostia and the Sublician Bridge during his reign.
• 🏛️ The last three kings of Rome were Etruscan: Tarquin the Elder, Servius Tullius, and Tarquin the Proud.
• 🚫 Tarquin the Proud's expulsion led to the establishment of the Roman Republic, triggered by his son’s violence against Lucretia.
• 📉 Patricians held political power and social status, while plebeians, despite being free, had limited rights.
• ⚔️ During the monarchy, Rome functioned as a city-state with the king holding absolute power, supported by the Senate.

Q & A

Who is credited with the founding of Rome and when did it occur?

According to legend, Rome was founded by Romulus on April 21, 753 BC.

What tribes are mentioned as having settled on the Palatine Hill?

The transcript mentions the aggregation of three tribes that settled on the Palatine Hill, where groups of shepherds and farmers had already been living.

How many kings ruled Rome during its monarchical phase?

During the monarchical phase, Rome was governed by seven kings, including both Latin and Sabine rulers.

What significant contributions did Numa Pompilius make to Rome?

Numa Pompilius is credited with establishing new cults and reforming the Roman calendar.

What event led to the overthrow of Tarquin the Proud?

Tarquin the Proud was overthrown following the violence his son inflicted on the noblewoman Lucretia.

What triggered the establishment of the Roman Republic?

The expulsion of Tarquin the Proud marked the transition from monarchy to the establishment of the Roman Republic.

What was the social structure of Rome during the monarchy?

Rome had two main social groups: the patricians, who were full citizens and held political power, and the plebeians, who were free but lacked political rights and economic benefits.

What role did the Senate play during the monarchy in Rome?

The Senate consisted of elderly aristocrats who served as advisors to the king and held power during interregnums.

What is the significance of the comitia curiata in Roman governance?

The comitia curiata was responsible for granting military power to the king and electing representatives for the Senate.

Who were the patricians, and how were they organized?

Patricians were the aristocratic class in Rome, organized into families, each led by a pater familias, who held significant power and influence.