Tullus Hostilius

Tullus Hostilius ruled Rome from around 672 to 640 BC, succeeding the peaceable Numa Pompilius. He believed Numa's era of peace had made Rome soft and set out to restore its martial edge. His defining act was the conquest and complete annihilation of Alba Longa, the ancient city that had long competed with Rome. Beyond the battlefield, he built the Curia Hostilia, Rome's first senate house, and the Comitium assembly space; founded the Fetial college to manage treaties and the second Salii college; and expanded the cavalry. Some sources cast him as more warlike than Romulus himself. He was succ…