A. Sutherland – AncientPages.com – Legends say Numa Pompilius was the second king of Rome, but he was not a warrior king, but a statesman and politician.
Numa introduced new laws, customs, cults, and holidays during his reign. In contrast to the times of King Romulus and Rome’s involvement in wars, the ruler Numa Pompilius sought to bring Rome to quieter times.
As the legend says, after the death of the legendary Romulus, there was a long, tiring dispute over the next succession to the throne. Romulus was succeeded by Numa Pompilius, a man of Sabine origin, who was known for purity and wisdom.
He was chosen and agreed upon; however, he had to ask the gods first. The fortune-tellers were successful, and Numa put on royal robes. The new ruler began by introducing religious changes and claimed they were necessary because Egeria (a mythological water nymph who was his wife and counselor) had ordered him to do so.
Such alleged connections with the supernatural forces had raised Numa’s authority and prestige.
It is uncertain whether this fascinating figure really existed. There are only legends about Numa’s life, but no actual historical facts.
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