Procas

Procas is a figure from Roman mythology, traditionally listed as the king of Alba Longa, the ancient Latin city that preceded Rome. He is described as the father of Numitor and Amulius, two successive rulers of Alba Longa. In the standard lineage, Numitor inherits the throne while Amulius later usurps it, driving Numitor’s line into exile and threatening Numitor’s descendants. This dynastic struggle sets the stage for the later legends that culminate in the founding of Rome by Romulus and Remus, who are descended from Procas through Numitor.

The narrative surrounding Procas appears in the legendary prehistory of Rome, most notably in works by Livy and other ancient authors. The tale is part of a traditional genealogical framework used to connect Rome’s founding to the earlier era of Alba Longa. Because the story blends myth and national mythmaking, its historical accuracy is not supported by archaeological evidence. Modern scholars treat Procas as a literary figure who helps explain the origins of the Romulean dynasty and the transfer of kingship in early Roman legend.

In contemporary usage, Procas is chiefly of interest to students of classical literature and Roman mythology. There are no established historical records confirming his existence outside myth, and the name is seldom encountered outside scholarly or fictional contexts. When it appears in modern texts, it is typically as a reference to Alba Longa’s royal line or as a classical name drawing on ancient sources for storytelling or educational purposes.