Etruria is a region of north-central Italy, where the Etruscan people originated, and for a time, came to dominate the Italian peninsula. In relation to Rome, Etruria was directly to the north. In ancient times, the Etruscan people of Etruria were rivals of the Latin people of Latium.

The Latin League was a confederation of geographically related cities and towns. After their unsuccessful was with Priscus they were "convinced" to join the Kingdom of Rome. Priscus also fought the Sabines, but this was after his aggression against the Latin League.

The Roman Republic came into existence in the second-half of the sixth century BCE. Previously, Rome had been governed by a monarchy. It is worth noting that much of the history of this time period is shrouded in myth and legend, but it is generally believed that Rome was ruled by a succession of seven kings, before the last king, Tarquinius Superbus, was overthrown in a violent revolution.

During the history of the Roman Kingdom, the Curiate Assembly had the final authority over the appointment of a king. The Curiate Assembly was a government body made up of wealthy patricians and under the effective control of the Roman Senate.

The procedure for the nomination and appointment of a Roman monarch was quite convoluted. First, the Senate had to choose a candidate for the monarchy. Then, that monarch needed to get the support of the people. Next, he had to court the approval of the Curiate Assembly. Finally, a would-be monarch needed religious approval and the reaffirmed support of the Senate. Only after all this would a ruler have the title of imperium conferred upon him and become king.

The term interregnum is a Latin term that literally means “between kings.” During the period of time when Rome was ruled by a monarchy, the kingdom would enter a period of interregnum following the death of a king. In the Roman Kingdom, during interregnum, power would devolve to the Senate who would then elect a new king.

In the Roman Kingdom, the Senate was responsible for nominating and electing a king. After a king died, the Senate was convened to appoint a new ruler. That ruler would then have to be approved by the people, the Gods, and the Curiate Assembly (a government body under the effective control of the Senate).

A republic is a system of government in which people elect representatives to enact laws on their behalf. It is distinct from direct democracy in that the people do not actually get to vote on issues themselves, but instead appoint representatives. It was the political system which prevailed in Rome from 507 BCE until the rise of the Roman Empire in 27 BCE. It is also the political system which prevails in the modern United States of America.

In the early years of the Roman Republic, it was common for poor plebeians to be enslaved by patricians if they accumulated significant debts. This debt slavery was abolished in 450 BCE with the codification of Roman law through the Twelve Tables.

The power in the Roman Kingdom was largely centered on the King. The Senate was NOT an independent body, it could only be assembled at the behest of the King.