Who was the last king of Rome?

The last king of Rome was Tarquinius Superbus, who reigned during a time of political uncertainty and unrest. He is often characterized as a tyrant, and his rule contributed significantly to the rise of the Roman Republic. Tarquinius Superbus was expelled from Rome in 509 BCE after the infamous incident involving Lucretia, a noblewoman whose tragic fate galvanized the populace against his tyranny. Following his expulsion, the monarchy was abolished, and this marked the transition from the Roman Kingdom to the Roman Republic, setting the stage for Rome's republican system of governance.

In contrast, Julius Caesar was never a king; he held the title of dictator and played a pivotal role in the events that led to the end of the Republic. Numa Pompilius was the second king of Rome and is known for his contributions to religion and law, while Romulus Augustulus was the last Roman emperor of the Western Roman Empire, ruling much later and in a different context. Thus, Tarquinius Superbus is rightly recognized as the final king of ancient Rome.