Piety’s Transformative Power in the ‘Life of Numa Pompilius’

The legendary Roman king appeased a divided people through shared religious rituals.

Actors dressed as ancient Roman maids march in front of the Coliseum in a commemorative parade during festivities marking the 2,766th anniversary of the founding of Rome on April 21, 2013 in Rome, Italy. The capital celebrates its founding annually based on the legendary foundation of the birth of Rome. Actors dressed as the denizens of ancient Rome participate in parades and re-enactments of the ancient Roman Empire. According to legend, Rome had been founded by Romulus in 753 B.C. in an area surrounded by seven hills. Giorgio Cosulich/Getty Images

The ancient biographer Plutarch once wrote that ancient Rome was born of “excessive daring and reckless courage.” A more direct equivalent might be “blood and battle.” Romulus, the city’s mythic founder, proclaimed himself king after killing his brother. His rise to power sparked tensions with neighboring tribes, often resolved with all-out wars.

There was one noteworthy exception amid Rome’s initial disarray: its second king, Numa Pompilius (circa 753 B.C.–circa 672 B.C.). If Romulus embodied Rome’s violent origins, Numa represented its potential for peace and moral purity. A pious, pacifistic leader, he ushered Rome into four decades of stability sustained by trust, transparency, and shared religious rituals. 

Rome’s Founding: Usurpation and Fratricide

As the popular legend goes, Rome was founded in 753 B.C. by Romulus, twin brother of Remus. Their grandfather was Numitor, king of Alba Longa (now Albano).