Numa Pompilius

Numa Pompilius, in the legendary history of Rome, its second king, the successor of Romulus. He was a native of Cures in the Sabine country, and was universally revered for his wisdom and piety. Unanimously elected king by the Roman people, he soon justified by his conduct the wisdom of their choice. After dividing the lands which Romulus had conquered, he proceeded, with the assistance of the nymph Egeria, who gave him interviews in a grove near the city, to draw up religious institutions for his subjects, and thus stands out in the primitive legend as the author of the Roman ceremonial law. His reign lasted for thirty-nine years, and was a golden age of peace and happiness.