Thus we see that she soon became the most powerful of the Latin cities, and when her interests conflicted with theirs, she had no scruples about conquering any of them and annexing their territory.

Thus Alba was taken during the reign of Tullus Hostilius, and his successor, Ancus Marcius, subdued several cities along the river, and at its mouth founded a colony which was named OSTIA, the seaport of Rome.
At this time (about 625) the Roman territory (_ager Romanus_) comprised nearly 250 square miles, being irregular in shape, but lying mostly along the southern bank of the Tiber and extending about ten or twelve miles from the river.

It was not materially increased during the next two centuries.
The original founders of Rome and their direct descendants were called PATRICIANS, i.e.belonging to the _Patres_, or Fathers of the families.
They formed a class distinct from all others, jealously protecting their rights against outsiders.

Attached to the Patricians was a class called CLIENTS, who, though free, enjoyed no civil rights, i.e.they had no voice in the government, but were bound to assist in every way the Patrician, called PATRON, to whom they were attached.

In return, the latter gave them his support, and looked after their interests.