Servius Tullius became king in 579 BCE.  He reigned from 579-535 BCE, and was the sixth king after King Tarquinius, and the second king of the Etruscan dynasty.  It is debated whether he was Etruscan or Latin.  His ascendancy to the throne seemed more of a mythical account than a factual event.  He was the son of a young noblewoman/captive, Ocrisia, who was from Comiculum.  She was brought back to Rome and became a personal servant to King Tarquinius' queen, Tanaquil.  His father is said to have been Vulcan, King Tarquinius himself, or an acquaintance of King Tarquinius.

          When he was 8 years old, suddenly, flames surrounded his head.  The king and queen were informed, and witnessed the miraculous event.  When a servant attempted to get water to put out the flames, Tanaquil didn't let him.  She believed the flames were a sign that Servius was destined for greatness, and that he would become the next king of Rome.  Therefore, the couple adopted him.

          A few minutes after King Tarquinius was murdered, Tanaquil told the people that he was merely recovering and placed Servius in charge for the time being.  A week later, she announced that Servius was the sole ruler of Rome.  

          Servius Tullius is said to have been the first Roman King to become king without election by the Senate.  He later gained popular support with Tanaquil's help.

          He had a strong bodyguard, so no one dared to challenge his authority (even King Marcius' sons, who had killed King Tarquinius and had gone into exile to protect their lives).  Servius Tullius carried out tasks that King Tarquinius had told him before he died, such as governing some parts of the kingdom and overseeing some military operations.