How did Tarquinius Priscus become king?

An eagle landed his hat back on him, seen as a sign from the Gods.

How did Priscus and his wife gain popularity in Rome?

They threw parties, gave gifts, and were polite to everyone.

How did Priscus ensure he won the election?

He sent Ancus Marcius' sons away on a hunting trip.

What was the first political change Priscus made?

He added 100 new loyal supporters to the Senate.

What social initiative did Priscus introduce?

He built a massive stadium, the Circus Maximus, for sporting games.

What was Priscus' military record like?

He defeated several Latin, Etruscan, and Sabine cities.

Why couldn't Priscus double the cavalry at first?

An Augur said it wasn't approved by the Gods based on bird signs.

How did Priscus defeat the Sabines?

He burned logs to destroy the bridge they were waiting on.

What territory did Priscus add to Rome after defeating the Sabines?

All the Sabine territory on the other side of the river.

What did Priscus do after defeating the Latini?

He made peace with them.

Who was Servius Tullius?

6th king of Rome (578-535 BC), unknown origins

What are his famous reforms called?

Servian Reforms

What was the purpose of the census?

Wealth-based class system for military contributions (wealthy provided own equipment)

What was the Equites position?

Cavalry of the Roman army, prestigious position with horses provided

How did the reforms change voting?

Wealthy voted first in Comitia Curia, reducing poor Plebeians' influence

What social reform did he introduce?

New tribal system based on location within Rome (not ethnicity)

What building projects are credited to him?

Added Quirinal & Viminal Hills, expanded Esquiline, possibly began Servian Wall (unclear evidence)

What religious initiative did he introduce?

Temple of Diana (joint project with Latin cities)

How did he become king?

Assassins killed previous king, Tanaquil presented Servius as king while hiding the death

Why are there different birth stories?

Myths to portray him as special and destined for greatness

What was Tanaquil's role?

Convinced people Servius was king while hiding the death of Priscus

Was he elected by the Senate?

No, first king not elected, seen as evidence of Etruscan king corruption

Why did Livy discredit the magical conception story?

Likely considered it too fantastical

How did the wealthy benefit from the reforms?

Voted first and didn't pay for military equipment

How did the reforms lay groundwork for social classes?

Wealth-based census influenced military contributions and possibly voting rights

How�was Tarquinius Superbus related to Servius Tullius?

Debated - Son (Dionysius), Grandson (Livy), or Son-in-Law

How did Superbus take the throne?

Gained support from Senators (Dionysius) or seized power due to Servius' age (Livy)

Livy's account of seizing power

Superbus bribed Senators, took the Senate House by force, and insulted Servius

How did Servius Tullius die?

Thrown down Senate House steps and killed (by Superbus' men or his daughter Tullia)

What were Superbus' political initiatives?

Tyrannical rule - no Senate approval, bodyguards, fear tactics, ignored Senate

How did Superbus treat the Plebeians?

Worse treatment, no fair taxes, forced labor for building projects

What were Superbus' military successes?

Negotiated a strong treaty with Latins, conquered Signia & Circeii, defeated Volsci

What were Superbus' social initiatives?

Expanded Circus Maximus, built the Cloaca Maxima sewer system

What were Superbus' religious initiatives?

Built a new temple to Jupiter (destroying older temples)

Does archaeological evidence support these building projects?

Yes, evidence suggests major building works during Superbus' reign