---
node: roman_kingdom
type: period
slug: roman_kingdom
title: "Roman Kingdom"
lead: "By tradition Rome was founded in 753 BC and ruled by kings until 509 BC, when the last king was expelled and the Republic began. The founding and the line of kings are legendary."
published: 2026-07-11
updated: 2026-07-11
---

## Overview

By Roman tradition the city was founded in 753 BC and ruled by kings until 509 BC.

The founding — Romulus and Remus and the she-wolf — and the line of kings are legendary, known mainly from later Roman accounts. These details should be treated as tradition rather than firm history.

## Key developments

Tradition lists seven kings: Romulus, Numa Pompilius, Tullus Hostilius, Ancus Marcius, and then the Etruscan-influenced Tarquinius Priscus, Servius Tullius, and Tarquinius Superbus.

Early Rome took shape under strong Etruscan influence. Institutions later central to the state — the Senate as an advisory council, early assemblies, and state priesthoods — are traced to this period.

## End and transition

Tradition holds that the last king, Tarquinius Superbus, was expelled in 509 BC. This ended the monarchy and founded the Roman Republic.