Tullus Hostilius: The Warlike King

Tullus Hostilius was the third king of Rome, succeeding Numa Pompilius, and his reign from 672 BC to 640 BC was a stark departure from the peaceful era of his predecessor.

While Numa was celebrated for his commitment to peace, piety, and harmony, Tullus Hostilius emerged as the embodiment of a new age in Rome, marked by warfare, conquest, and territorial expansion.

Tullus believed that Numa’s reign had made Rome weaker, and he sought to change that. He was known for seeking out war and embracing the warrior ethos. In the Roman historian Livy’s accounts, he was even more warlike than Rome’s legendary founder, Romulus.

This article delves into the life, reign, and the indelible impact of Tullus Hostilius on the ancient city of Rome.

Early Life and Rise to Power

Before ascending to the throne, Tullus Hostilius lived a life very different from his predecessor. There were no pastoral retreats, divine nymphs, or the authoring of sacred books in his early years. He was born into a Roman society that was transitioning to a more warlike era. Tullus was, in many ways, a product of his time.

Tullus Hostilius was born into the Roman aristocracy around 726 BC. He was the grandson of Hostus Hostilius, who had fought alongside Romulus and met his end during the Sabine invasion of Rome.

This lineage tied Tullus to Rome’s earliest days and its founding figures, and although there is limited information available about Tullus’s early life, we can gather that he was raised in an environment where military matters were highly regarded.

Military Exploits of Tullus Hostilius

As soon as Tullus Hostilius assumed the throne, he embarked on a path that would define his legacy. Unlike Numa’s commitment to peace and harmony, Tullus was determined to lead Rome in military conquests. Under his leadership, Rome began a series of military campaigns and territorial expansions, making significant advances in various directions.

The King Who Destroyed Alba Longa

Tullus’s most notable military campaign was the destruction of Alba Longa, a rival city, and the very city Romulus and Remus were born in. He sought to absorb Alba Longa’s population and territories into Rome, effectively eliminating the competition.

His armies besieged the city, and after a protracted struggle, Alba Longa was conquered and destroyed. This marked a significant step in Rome’s territorial expansion and was a testament to Tullus’s martial prowess.

Horatii and Curiatii

One legendary episode from Tullus Hostilius’s reign is the conflict between the Horatii and the Curiatii. These consisted of two sets of triplet brothers, each representing their respective city, who engaged in a battle to determine the victor between Rome and Alba Longa. Tullus aimed to settle the rivalry and secure Rome’s dominance without excessive bloodshed.

In this iconic duel, each side represented their respective city, and the outcome would determine the fate of Rome and Alba Longa. The Horatii, representing Rome, emerged victorious, and Tullus Hostilius’s strategy led to the absorption of Alba Longa into Rome. It was a significant military and political success that contributed to Rome’s expansion.

The Betrayal of Mettius Fufetius

While battling the Etruscans, Rome requested military assistance from Alba Longa, which Mettius Fufetius, the Alban dictator, agreed to. However, he also had a secret agreement with the Etruscans to desert Rome in the heat of battle, leaving Tullus alone to fight. Yet, Tullus prevailed despite this betrayal.

For his disloyalty to Rome, Tullus ordered the gruesome execution of Mettius Fufetius. He had Mettius tied between two chariots, and the horses tore him apart. Notably, this execution method was used only once in Roman history.

The Curia Hostilia

During Tullus Hostilius’s reign, Rome was expanding and evolving rapidly. The need for a larger political gathering place became evident, and thus, driven by a desire to see Rome thrive as a powerful city, he envisioned a grand architectural monument to symbolize its growth and significance. The Curia Hostilia became the cornerstone of this vision.

The exact design of this monumental structure remained a subject of debate, but Tullus Hostilius was clear in his intent. It should carry typical Roman elements: imposing columns, intricate decorations, and spaces thoughtfully designed for the exchange of ideas.

Under Tullus’ rule, the Curia Hostilia quickly evolved into the political epicenter of Rome. It was here that senators from the ancient Roman families, along with newcomers from Alba Longa, would gather. Their purpose was to formulate laws, settle disputes, and guide the city’s future.

The integration of Alba Longa’s leadership into the Roman Senate was not just an administrative expansion; it was about ensuring that fresh perspectives and ideas were introduced. In his view, it was about creating an arena where these diverse voices could converge, molding a more inclusive and robust Roman state.

The Deaths of Tullus Hostilius and His Family

Toward the end of his reign, supernatural phenomena began to plague Rome, including a shower of stones on the Alban Mount and a mysterious voice heard at its summit. A pestilence struck the city.

Feeling a growing sense of superstition, Tullus delved into Numa Pompilius’s commentaries, attempting to follow his religious advice. However, he erred in performing the ceremony to Jupiter Elicius, provoking Jupiter’s wrath.

The consequence of Tullus’s mistake was dire. Both he and his household were struck by lightning and reduced to ashes as a result of Jupiter’s anger. And so, Tullus Hostilius was succeeded by Ancus Marcius, who would come to be Rome’s fourth king.

Tullus Hostilius Facts