For a time, Rome was ruled by kings, starting with the legendary founder Romulus and ending with corrupt Etruscan kings. When this monarchy was overthrown, the Roman Republic emerged, gaining increasing power and territory. The very center of the Republic was the Roman Forum, a place where politics, business, and religion all converged. Within the Forum stood the Senate House, or Comitium, dating back to about 600 BC. This structure was essential to the functioning of the Republic, allowing a place in which senators, who were prominent and wealthy figures in the Roman community, could meet and make important decisions that would affect all of Rome. The history of the Roman Senate is long, with Romulus allegedly beginning the first senate, selecting an initial one hundred men. In 44 BC, Julius Caesar began reforms on and in the Comitium, though changes were not completed until after his death by Augustus. After this, the Senate experienced a steady decline in power. Later, the building itself burned and was rebuilt. This building, though different from its initial Republican structure, still stands today and remains a part of the community, serving as a museum.