Of the seven traditional kings of Rome, the last three were undoubtedly
of Etruscan origin, and their reigns left in the city many traces of
Etruscan influence. The Etruscans were great builders, and the only
buildings of importance that Rome possessed, until a much later period,
were erected under this dynasty. The names of these kings are said to
have been LUCIUS TARQUINIUS PRISCUS, SERVIUS TULLIUS, his son-in-law,
and LUCIUS TARQUINIUS SUPERBUS.
Under the first of these kings were built the fine temple of JUPITER
CAPITOLINUS, on the Capitoline Hill, and near by shrines to JUNO and
MINERVA. This temple to Jupiter was called the CAPITOLIUM, and from
it we get our word CAPITOL. It was looked upon as the centre of Roman
religion and authority, and at times the Senate was convened in it.
During this reign the famous CLOACA MAXIMA, or great sewer intended to
drain the Campagna, is also said to have been constructed. This sewer
was so well built that it is still used.
Under the second king of this dynasty, Servius Tullius, the city was
surrounded with a wall, which included the Palatine, Quirinal, Coelian,
and Aventine hills, and also the Janiculum, which was on the opposite
side of the river, and connected with the city by a bridge (_pons
sublicius_).
The establishment of the new military organization, mentioned in the
previous chapter, was attributed also to this king.
The pupil will notice the similarity between these reforms of Tullius
and those of Solon of Athens, who lived about the same time. Thus early
was the Greek influence felt at Rome.
During the reign of Tullius a temple in honor of DIANA was erected on
the Aventine, to be used by all the Latin towns.
Tarquinius Superbus added to the AGER ROMANUS the territory of the city
of GABII, and planted two military colonies, which were afterwards lost.
The dynasty of the Tarquins ended with the overthrow of this king, and a
Republic was established, which lasted until the death of Julius Caesar.