715 BC - Numa Pompilius organized Roman workers into various Collegia; he attached one to each legion of the army so that the Roman arms and arts went hand in hand into the outlying parts of the empire. The stone workers or masons were the most numerous and became very powerful. There were some similarities between these groups and a modern lodge. Each Collegia was required to have at least three members; the head was called the Magister or Master; they used their tools as symbols; and they looked after the widows and orphans of the members.
587 BC - King Solomon's Temple destroyed.
582 BC - Pythagoras, character in Master Mason degree born.
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