servius tullius: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Very Low / SpecializedAcademic, Historical, Classical Studies
Quick answer
What does “servius tullius” mean?
The sixth legendary king of Rome, traditionally reigned 578–535 BC, known for significant constitutional, military, and urban reforms including the first census, expansion of the city, and creation of the Servian Constitution which organized Roman society by wealth and military capability.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The sixth legendary king of Rome, traditionally reigned 578–535 BC, known for significant constitutional, military, and urban reforms including the first census, expansion of the city, and creation of the Servian Constitution which organized Roman society by wealth and military capability.
In historical and classical studies, refers to a semi-legendary reformer figure credited with laying foundations for Rome's later republican institutions and social hierarchy; often used metonymically for early Roman constitutional innovation or foundational political restructuring.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in usage; spelling and reference identical. Slight variation in pronunciation (see IPA).
Connotations
Equally academic/conceptual in both varieties.
Frequency
Extremely low frequency in both, limited to classical/historical discourse.
Grammar
How to Use “servius tullius” in a Sentence
[Subject: Historians/Texts] + discuss/analyse + Servius Tullius[Subject: Servius Tullius] + is credited with + [Reform/Institution][Subject: Servius Tullius] + reigned from + [Date] to + [Date]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “servius tullius” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- The Servian reforms were pivotal.
- The Servian constitution created the comitia centuriata.
American English
- Servian reforms were crucial.
- The Servian wall was a major project.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Virtually never used.
Academic
Used in history, political science, classical studies papers and lectures concerning early Rome, state formation, or historical constitutional design.
Everyday
Not used.
Technical
Used in specific historical taxonomy and periodization.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “servius tullius”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “servius tullius”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “servius tullius”
- Misspelling as 'Servius Tullus' or 'Servius Tulius'.
- Confusing him with later Roman figures like Sulla.
- Using without capitalization.
- Using in plural form (does not pluralise).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
He is considered a semi-legendary figure. While a king named Servius Tullius likely existed, the detailed reforms attributed to him probably evolved over time and were credited to him by later tradition.
It is the adjective form relating to Servius Tullius, used in terms like 'Servian Constitution' or 'Servian Wall'.
In British English: /ˌsɜː.vi.əs ˈtʌl.i.əs/. In American English: /ˌsɝː.vi.əs ˈtʌl.i.əs/. The stress is on the first syllable of 'Tullius'.
He represents a crucial stage in Roman political thought, symbolizing the transition from kinship-based society to a state organized by property and military service, influencing later republican structures.
The sixth legendary king of Rome, traditionally reigned 578–535 BC, known for significant constitutional, military, and urban reforms including the first census, expansion of the city, and creation of the Servian Constitution which organized Roman society by wealth and military capability.
Servius tullius is usually academic, historical, classical studies in register.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “A Servian reform (meaning: a fundamental restructuring of social/political organization)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Servius SERved Rome by organizing it into classes; TULLIUS sounds like 'tally us', reminding of his census.
Conceptual Metaphor
FOUNDATIONAL ARCHITECT (of a state/society)
Practice
Quiz
What was a major achievement attributed to Servius Tullius?