Servius Tullius becomes King of Rome

Servius Tullius became the second king of Rome, succeeding his father-in-law, Priscus. His lineage was notable as he was of Etruscan descent and the son of a slave. During his reign, he engaged in successful military campaigns against the Etruscans, which allowed him to acquire wealth that he utilized for significant urban development. One of his major projects was the construction of the first wall encircling the Seven Hills of Rome, known as the pomerium. This fortification was crucial for the protection and expansion of the city. In addition to military achievements, Servius Tullius reorganized the Roman army and implemented a new constitution that redefined the structure of Roman society. He conducted Rome's first census, which categorized the population into five economic classes and established the Centuriate Assembly, a legislative body that represented these classes. Furthermore, he created four urban tribes based on geographical location, leading to the formation of the Tribal Assembly, which allowed for more localized representation in governance. His reign also saw the construction of the Temple of Diana on the Aventine Hill, a significant religious site for the Romans. The reforms instituted by Servius Tullius had a lasting impact on Roman political life, as they shifted voting rights based on socio-economic status. Initially, these changes favored the elite, but over time, they began to benefit the poorer classes, which helped him gain support from the plebeians and solidify his rule.