Lucius Tarquinius Priscus becomes King of Rome

Lucius Tarquinius Priscus was the fifth king of Rome and the first of Etruscan descent. He immigrated to Rome and gained favor with Ancus Marcius, the previous king, who adopted him as a son. Upon ascending the throne, Priscus engaged in military campaigns against the Sabines and Etruscans, which resulted in the expansion of Rome's territory and the doubling of its size. This expansion not only increased the population but also brought significant wealth and treasures to the city. To manage the growing population, Priscus oversaw the settlement of the Aventine and Caelian hills. He also enhanced the political structure by adding 100 new senators from the conquered Etruscan tribes, raising the total number of senators to 200, thereby strengthening the governance of Rome. Priscus is noted for initiating several major construction projects that laid the foundation for Rome's infrastructure. He is credited with the construction of the Cloaca Maxima, one of the world's earliest sewage systems, and the Roman Forum, which became the center of public life. Additionally, he built the Pons Sublicius, the first bridge across the Tiber River, and the Circus Maximus, a large stadium for chariot races. His reign also marked the beginning of the temple-fortress dedicated to Jupiter on the Capitoline Hill. Priscus introduced important Roman symbols of military and civil authority, and he was the first to celebrate a Roman triumph, a ceremonial procession honoring military victories. His contributions significantly shaped the political and cultural landscape of early Rome.