The Period of Kings

•The Roman army, arguably one of the longest surviving and most effective fighting forces in military history, has a rather obscure beginning.

•The Greek biographer Plutarch credits the fabled founder of Rome, Romulus, with creating the legionary forces (as they would be known in the Republic and Imperial periods), yet the Roman historian Livy says that the early Roman army fought more along the lines of Greek hoplites in a phalanx, most likely as a form of civil militia, with recruitment dependent on a citizen’s social standing.

King Servius Tullius (c. 580- 530 BCE) introduced six classes of wealth upon Rome’s citizens; the lowest group had no property and were excluded from the military, whilst the highest group, the equites, formed the cavalry

Being part of the army was the highest honor for Romans.

The legends maintain that Tarquin increased the number of persons of senatorial and equestrian rank. He is thought to have instituted the Roman Games and to have begun the construction of a wall around the city.

Tarquin's first action as king was to double the number of senators to 200. By doing so the newly appointed-senators would naturally support Tarquin, giving him a firm power base in the senate.

Tarquin also set about improving Rome, which was still rather rustic. He created the Circus Maximus, for the entertainment of the people. The Circus consisted of a track one mile in circumference, with temporary bleachers erected around it when an event was to be held.

Tarquin also improved the military of Rome. During his reign, he fought against the nearby Latins and Sabines. To better fight against these people, he decided to increase double strength of the cavalry. That more men were able to afford horses is also a sign that Rome was becoming more prosperous. Unlike the previous kings, Tarquin's victories were far more reaching. Under the Etruscan influence, Rome was on its way towards becoming a regional power