Magistrates of the Roman Kingdom

Unlike most other ancient monarchs, his powers rested on law and legal precedent, through a type of statutory authorization known as "Imperium" (Latin: "Command").

He could only receive these powers through the political process of a democratic election, and could theoretically be removed from office.

As such, he could not pass his powers to an heir upon his death, and he typically received no divine honors or recognitions.

[2] This probably meant that the only restriction on the king was that he observe precedent (mos maiorum).

When war broke out, he had the sole power to organize and levy troops, to select leaders for the army, and to conduct the campaign as he saw fit.

[2] He controlled all property held by the state, had the sole power to divide land and war spoils, was the chief representative of the city during dealings with either the Gods or leaders of other communities, and could unilaterally decree any new law.

The new king then took the auspices (a ritual search for omens from the Gods), and was vested with legal authority (imperium) by the popular assembly (through the passage of a law known as the lex curiata de imperio).

The king chose several officers to assist him,[4] and unilaterally granted them their powers.

When the king (Latin: rex) died, his powers reverted to the senate.

The Interrex could, for example, issue any decree, make any law, command the army, and preside over the Senate and the assemblies.