3 – Tullus Hostilius (673? – 641 BC?)
Tullus was a Latin, and his reign was marked by military ambition. Even his surname comes from the Latin hostis which means ‘hostile.’ During the 7th century BC, there were a number of disputes due to problems such as cattle rustling on territorial borders. While Numa was an excellent diplomat and always solved the issues without conflict, Tullus preferred to do things violently.
One such dispute occurred between Rome and Alba Longa, and Tullus immediately declared war. Since the two cities were in proximity, it was akin to a civil war so instead of fighting a series of bloody battles, Tullus, and his rival, Mettius Fufetius, agreed to a contest of champions. Three brothers from the Horatius family represented Rome while Alba Longa chose three brothers from the Curiatus family. Ultimately, the Romans ‘won’ as all three Curiatus brothers lay dead on the battlefield; meanwhile, one of the Horatius brothers survived.
Alba Longa accepted defeat and Roman superiority, but this acquiescence didn’t last long. King Mettius provoked the Fidentes, another neighbor of Rome, into war. As Rome and Alba Longa were now allies, both armies should have faced off against the Fidentes. However, Mettius’ treachery ensured that the Romans faced their new enemy alone. His machinations were a failure however as Rome defeated the Fidentes. Mettius paid for his betrayal with his life, and Alba Longa was destroyed.
The surviving Albans moved to the Caelian Hill in Rome, but the increase in population caused strain on Rome’s Senate building which was subsequently deemed too small. Tullus decided to build a new home for the Senate at the foot of Capitoline Hill. It survived as the Curia Hostilia until 53 BC. According to legend, Tullus defeated the Sabine’s in various campaigns until plague forced him to make peace. He apparently died after being struck by lightning. Despite this information, there is a possibility that Tullus did not exist after all. However, the family of the Hostilli did exist so perhaps Tullus was a real king of Rome. Certainly, the destruction of the Alba Longa and the creation of the Curia Hostilia were real historical events.