Who was the king that drained the forum and built the Circus Maximus?

The answer is Tarquinius Priscus, who is credited with significant construction projects in ancient Rome, including the Circus Maximus. He was the fifth king of Rome and served from around 616 to 579 BCE. Tarquinius Priscus is known for modernizing the city and enlarging its boundaries. The Circus Maximus was one of his major contributions, serving as a monumental site for chariot races and public events, which highlighted his ambition to enhance Roman public life and entertain the masses.

In addition, he is recognized for draining the forum, which transformed the area into a more usable and accessible space, setting the groundwork for future development in Rome. This work contributed to his legacy as a practical and effective ruler, focusing on infrastructure that would benefit the citizens of Rome.