Tiber, and was held by the early Romans as a stronghold against the
Etruscans. It was connected with Rome by a wooden bridge (_Pons
Sublicius_).] rising to a considerable height, around one of which,
the PALATINE, first settled a tribe of Latins called RAMNES,--a name
gradually changed to ROMANS.

When this settlement was formed is not known. Tradition says in 753.
It may have been much earlier. These first settlers of Rome were
possibly a colony from Alba. In the early stages of their history they
united themselves with a Sabine colony that had settled north of them
on the QUIRÍNAL HILL. The name of TITIES was given to this new tribe.
A third tribe, named LUCERES, composed, possibly, of conquered Latins,
was afterwards added and settled upon the COELIAN HILL.

All early communities, to which the Romans were no exception, were
composed of several groups of FAMILIES. The Romans called these groups
GENTES, and a single group was called a GENS. All the members of a
_gens_ were descended from a common ancestor, after whom the
_gens_ received its name.

The head of each family was called PATER-FAMILIAS, and he had absolute
authority [Footnote: Called _patria potestas_.] over his household,
even in the matter of life and death.

The Roman government at first was conducted by these Fathers of the
families, with a KING, elected from their own number, and holding
office for life. His duties were to command the army, to perform
certain sacrifices (as high priest), and to preside over the assembly
of the Fathers of the families, which was called the SENATE, i. e. an
assembly of old men (_Senex_).