Priscus

• Priscus added 100 men to the Senate to consolidate his power and held strong loyalty to him
• The Circus Maximus held political significance as spoils of war would be displayed. Patricians were also allowed to build seating areas 12 feet high
• Constructed the Circus Maximus which increased leisure in Rome. Etruscan boxing and chariot racing were some of the forms of entertainment.
• Built the Cloaca Maxima which would prevent flooding. Helped improve hygiene in the city
• Extended the Forum and shops and colonnades were built
• Increased number of vestal virgins to 6
• Introduced harsher punishments for vestals who broke their promise
• War with Sabines

  • As Romans were building the wall around the city, they encountered the Sabines
  • Fighting occurred but victory was indecisive
  • Sabines retreated which gave Romans time to prepare
  • Priscus wanted to increase the number of centuries but the gods did not approve with his plans.
  • Despite this, he doubled the number of centuries and added 1200 horsemen
  • He fought and defeated the Sabines
• War with Sabines (p2)

  • Priscus ordered logs to be set on fire and sent down the river Anio to burn the bridge the Sabines used to cross
  • This prevented the Sabines from retreating
  • Roman cavalry attacked Sabine army from both sides
  • Sabine city, Collatia, was taken
• Latin cities surrendered
• Assassination of Priscus

  • Ancus' sons were bitter about how Priscus betrayed them
  • They ordered shepherds to have a fake argument in front of the palace which attracted Priscus
  • Whilst Priscus tried to settle the argument, one of the shepherds got up behind him and stabbed him with an axe