There Was a Time When...
Rome Was Ruled By Kings
By Dario Bollacasa
Illustrated By Morgan Fippinger
Designed By Susan M. Scott
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Just released, a new non-fiction book for middle school children, and the first book in the series, There Was a Time When...
In 2005 the ruins of a palace dating back to the 8th century BC is discovered on the Palatine Hill in Rome. Could it be the palace of Romulus, the first king of Rome? If so the story of the founding of Rome and of its seven kings is as told by many Roman historians.
We think of ancient Rome mostly in terms of its Empire. But, before the Empire there was a Republic and before that a Monarchy. Yes! There were seven kings who ruled for more than 250 years. There were as many kings as there are hills in Rome. The first king was the founder of the city and the last one was expelled from it! They organized the society, the religious institutions and expanded Rome’s control to all of Central Italy. Some writers contend that historical and archaeological evidence of their exploits is mixed with myths and legends. Nevertheless, the kings make for fascinating reading.
Read their stories, their achievements and their legacy in this first book of the series: