Election of Ancus Marcius as King of Rome

Following the death of Tullus, Ancus Marcius was elected as the king of Rome, succeeding his grandfather Numa. Ancus was known for his peaceful and religious approach to leadership, similar to Numa's. His reign was characterized by a focus on defense rather than expansion, as he engaged in wars primarily to protect Rome's territory. During his time as king, Ancus Marcius made significant contributions to the infrastructure of Rome. He constructed the first prison on Capitoline Hill, fortified the Janiculum Hill, and built the first bridge across the Tiber River. Additionally, he founded the port of Ostia Antica on the Tyrrhenian Sea, established the city's first salt works, and initiated the construction of Rome's first aqueduct. Ancus utilized diplomacy effectively, managing to unite smaller surrounding cities into alliances with Rome, which facilitated the conquest of the Latins. This led to the relocation of the Latins to the Aventine Hill, contributing to the formation of the plebeian class within Roman society. Ancus Marcius ruled for 25 years before passing away from natural causes, marking the conclusion of the era of Rome's Latin-Sabine kings. His reign is noted for its emphasis on stability and infrastructure development, which laid the groundwork for Rome's future growth and integration of its surrounding regions.