Numa is said to have established many pontificates; the most important being the office of Pontifex Maximus, the Salii and the Fetiales priesthoods. He is also credited with consecrating the Vestals as well as introducing the two major palladia of the Roman state; the fire of Vesta and the ancilia, the sacred shields bequeathed to the city by Mars himself.

The Salii (the jumping priests) would parade once a year through the city carrying the sacred shields (ancilia) which presumably fell from heaven. These shields were called palladia, objects whose possession were said to confer protection upon its holders and their city.

The Fetiales were devoted to the god Jupiter and were associated with rituals that related to the requests for restitution for a perceived injury and a declaration of war against a foreign people (a spear dipped in blood was thrown into the enemy’s territory).

Numa is also said to have consecrated the Vestals. He defined their duties as well as their punishments should they break their vows. The most important duty of the Vestal Virgins was the keeping of the eternal flame in the temple of Vesta. This flame was a palladium, a sacred object whose existence ensured the safety of the city of Rome.

Socially, Numa organized the people into guilds according to their craft or trade.

Numa was respected and well loved by his subjects. He passed away in his 89th year.