Born in the mid-eighth century BC, the esteemed Numa Pompilius hailed from the region of Sabine, a locality situated in central Italy. As part of an influential family, Numa’s roots were deeply entrenched in aristocracy and wealth. His noble lineage was seen as imperative to his eventual ascension to the throne.
His father, Pomponius, was a respected figure among the Sabines and was highly regarded for his wisdom. This virtue, it seems, was inherited by Numa, who was also known for his wisdom and judicious character. The details about his mother remain elusive. However, it is believed that she too belonged to an affluent family.
As per the ancient customs, Numa got married at a young age to Tatia, a Sabine woman, and fathered a daughter named Pompilia. His wife was the daughter of the Sabine chieftain named Tatius who shared the Roman throne with Romulus for many years, further strengthening the family’s political ties.
Signifying the importance of lineage in ancient Rome, Numa’s aristocratic background played a crucial role in shaping his destiny. His marriage connections and family influence turned out to be a significant factor in his appointment as the second king of Rome, allowing him to leave a long-lasting legacy in the annals of Roman history.