Numa Pompilius

Numa Pompilius was the second king of Rome. It is a common belief among scholars that Numa came from Sabine stock, since he came from the same Sabine town as Titus Tatius, in Cures.

Numa was chiefly responsible for the establishment of Roman legal and religious customs and practices. His reforms introduced priests to the temple of Jupiter, Mars and Quirinus. The twelve Salii or leaping priests performed the services for Mars Gradivus. And more importantly, a new appointment was also established called the Pontifex, the highest office for priesthood. Numa also appointed priestesses for the temple of the Vestal Virgin.

Numa added two months to the Roman calendar, January and February, and each month had 29 or 30 days. See the Roman Calendar for more description.

Numa ruled Rome for about 43 years (c. 715-676 or 672 BC). His reign was remarkably different from Romulus and his successor, Tullus Hostilius, because Rome had a very long peace. He chose not to antagonise his neighbours in any way.