Lucius Tarquinius Priscus
Lucius Tarquinius Priscus (Classical Latin: [tarˈkʷɪniʊs ˈpriːskʊs]), also known as Tarquin the Elder, was the legendary fifth King of Rome and the first of its Etruscan dynasty. He reigned for thirty-eight years, significantly expanding Roman power through both military conquest and grand architectural constructions. His wife was the prophetess Tanaquil.
Early Life and Rise to Power
Not much is known about the early life of Lucius Tarquinius Priscus. According to the historian Livy, Tarquin came from Etruria. Livy claims that his original Etruscan name was Lucumo, but since lucumo is the latinized form of the Etruscan word lauchume ("king"), there is reason to believe that Priscus' name and title have been confused in the official tradition. After inheriting his father's entire fortune, Lucius attempted to gain a political office.
Upon arriving in Rome, Tarquinius Priscus quickly ingratiated himself with King Ancus Marcius. Due to his political acumen and support from Tanaquil, he was appointed as the guardian of Ancus Marcius' sons. However, when Ancus died, Tarquinius sent the young heirs away and declared himself king.
Reign as King
As king, Lucius Tarquinius Priscus initiated several notable military campaigns against neighboring tribes, including the Latins and the Sabines. His victories in these campaigns secured significant territories for Rome.
One of his most enduring legacies was his ambitious building programs. He is credited with the construction of the Cloaca Maxima, one of the world's earliest sewage systems, and the initial stages of the Roman Forum. He also began the construction of the Circus Maximus, Rome's principal venue for chariot races.
Succession and Legacy
Most ancient writers regarded Tarquin as the father of Lucius Tarquinius Superbus, the seventh and last King of Rome, but some stated that the younger Tarquin was his grandson. As the younger Tarquin died about 496 BC, more than eighty years after Tarquinius Priscus, the chronology seems to support the latter tradition. His reign laid the groundwork for the eventual transformation of Rome from a monarchy to a republic.
Lucius Tarquinius Priscus also played a role in the rise of Servius Tullius, the sixth King of Rome. Tullius, who married Tarquin's daughter, was originally a servant but rose to prominence with the support of Tanaquil following the assassination of Tarquinius Priscus.