Tullus Hostilius
Tullus Hostilius was the legendary third king of Rome, ruling around 672–640 BC. He followed the peaceful Numa Pompilius and was known for being warlike. He wanted Rome to be strong through war and expansion. His main achievement was the defeat of Alba Longa, which made Alba Longa part of Rome. A famous story says two sets of triplets—Horatii from Rome and Curiatii from Alba Longa—fought to decide the war, and the Romans won. Another tale says a traitor, Mettius Fufetius, tried to betray Rome in a larger war, but Tullus still prevailed. After Alba Longa’s fall, many Albans moved to Rome and became Romans. Tullus also started the Curia Hostilia, the first Roman Senate house, and created the Fetiales, a group that handled Rome’s treaties.
On religion, he is said to have neglected rites, and late in his reign Rome faced omens and a pestilence. Livy says Jupiter killed him with a lightning bolt for an improper sacrifice; other sources say he died of plague after about 32 years on the throne. Modern historians are cautious, noting that many stories mix myth with history and that exact dates are debated. Still, Tullus is remembered as a mighty warrior king who helped grow Rome’s power and shape its government.
This page was last edited on 2 February 2026, at 17:58 (CET).