Note 355 — Chapter XII · - THE ROMAN CURIA, TRIBE AND POPULUS.

Numa Pompilius (Cicero, De Rep., ii, 11; Liv., i, 17), Tullus Hostilius (Cicero, De Rep., ii, 17), and Ancus Martius (Cic., De Rep., ii, 18; Livy, i, 32) were elected by the comitia curiata. In the case of Tarquinius Priscus, Livy observes that the people by a great majority elected him rex (i, 35). It was necessarily by the comitia curiata. Servius Tullius assumed the office which was afterwards confirmed by the comitia (Cicero, De Rep., ii, 21). The right of election thus reserved to the people, shows that the office of rex was a popular one, and that his powers were delegated.