Regia

ancient building, Rome, Italy

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July 13, 2026

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The Regia was an ancient building in Rome, Italy, that served as an administrative center. Traditionally, it was described as the residence of Numa Pompilius, the second king of Rome. After the monarchy, the Regia became the administrative headquarters for the pontifex maximus, the chief priest of Roman religion, who assumed the priestly duties of the former kings.12

The Regia was located in the Forum Romanum, which was the religious, civic, and commercial heart of ancient Rome. This area was a valley surrounded by the Seven Hills. The Forum itself was a public space that evolved over centuries, with various temples, basilicas, and other structures built and rebuilt on its site due to fires, earthquakes, and invasions.1

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Rome
The Forum of Rome
The Regia, traditionally described as the residence of Numa Pompilius, the priest-king, became the administrative building for the pontifex maximus, who took on the ancient monarchy’s priestly duties. The Temple of Castor and Pollux (the Dioscuri) was built at the establishment of the republic.
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The Regia, traditionally described as the residence of Numa Pompilius, the priest-king, became the administrative building for the pontifex maximus, who took on the ancient monarchy’s priestly duties. The Temple of Castor and Pollux (the Dioscuri) was built at the establishment of the republic.
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…an ancient shrine in the Regia, the office of the pontifex maximus, which only he and the Vestal Virgins might enter. She was early equated with Rhea, wife of Saturn, and like her was later identified with Cybele. She also had connections with the rustic god Consus. Her title, Consiva,…
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…an ancient shrine in the Regia, the office of the pontifex maximus, which only he and the Vestal Virgins might enter. She was early equated with Rhea, wife of Saturn, and like her was later identified with Cybele. She also had connections with the rustic god Consus. Her title, Consiva,…
Read More