Tullus Hostilius

Tullus Hostilius was the legendary third King of Rome. He succeeded Numa Pompilius and was succeeded by Ancus Marcius. In sharp contrast to his predecessor's peaceable and pious character, Tullus was characterised as an exceptionally warlike king. According to Titus Livius, Tullus believed that his predecessor's era of peace had weakened Rome and deliberately sought out war; in some Roman sources he is depicted as an even more warlike figure than the legendary founder Romulus. The most prominent event of his reign was the defeat of Rome's ancient rival Alba Longa and the complete destruction o…