Overview
By Roman tradition the city was founded in 753 BC and ruled by kings until 509 BC.
The founding — Romulus and Remus and the she-wolf — and the line of kings are legendary, known mainly from later Roman accounts. These details should be treated as tradition rather than firm history.
Key developments
Tradition lists seven kings: Romulus, Numa Pompilius, Tullus Hostilius, Ancus Marcius, and then the Etruscan-influenced Tarquinius Priscus, Servius Tullius, and Tarquinius Superbus.
Early Rome took shape under strong Etruscan influence. Institutions later central to the state — the Senate as an advisory council, early assemblies, and state priesthoods — are traced to this period.
End and transition
Tradition holds that the last king, Tarquinius Superbus, was expelled in 509 BC. This ended the monarchy and founded the Roman Republic.