Lucius Tarquinius Superbus
Lucius Tarquinius Superbus (died 495 BC) was the legendary seventh and final king of Rome, reigning for 25 years until the popular uprising that led to the establishment of the Roman Republic. His reign, characterized by tyranny and despotism, concluded the period of the Roman Kingdom.
Early Life and Ascension to the Throne
Tarquinius Superbus was the son of Lucius Tarquinius Priscus, the fifth king of Rome, and the brother of Aruns Tarquinius. He married Tullia Minor, the daughter of the sixth Roman king, Servius Tullius. Through a combination of cunning and ambition, Tullia and Lucius Tarquinius Superbus orchestrated the assassination of Servius Tullius, clearing the way for Tarquinius Superbus to claim the throne.
Reign as King
Tarquinius Superbus' reign was marked by a departure from the relatively democratic practices of his predecessors. He refused to seek the advice of the Senate, instead ruling through fear and coercion. His tyrannical rule included the execution of many senators and the suppression of dissent, which fostered significant resentment among the Roman populace.
Military Campaigns and Public Works
Despite his ruthless methods, Tarquinius Superbus was also noted for his military achievements and contributions to Roman infrastructure. He successfully waged wars against neighboring Latin tribes and the city-state of Gabii. Moreover, he undertook substantial public works projects, including the completion of the Cloaca Maxima, Rome's great sewer system, and the construction of the Temple of Jupiter Optimus Maximus on the Capitoline Hill.
The Fall of Tarquinius Superbus
The downfall of Tarquinius Superbus was precipitated by the infamous incident involving his son, Sextus Tarquinius, and Lucretia, a noblewoman. Sextus Tarquinius' rape of Lucretia and her subsequent suicide incited public outrage and galvanized the Roman people to overthrow the monarchy. This event was a pivotal moment in Roman history, leading to the establishment of the Roman Republic under the leadership of Lucius Junius Brutus and Lucius Tarquinius Collatinus.
Legacy
The legacy of Lucius Tarquinius Superbus is complex. While his tyranny and despotism are widely condemned, his contributions to Rome’s military and infrastructure cannot be overlooked. The overthrow of Tarquinius Superbus marked the end of the Roman Kingdom and the beginning of the Roman Republic, a transformative period in Roman history that laid the foundation for the Roman Empire.