Lucius Tarquinius Superbus

By Matthew Hellm

Basic info

• Lived in the 6th century and died in 495 b.c. In Cumae near today's Naples in Italy.• View as a historical icon by some and rule

from 534-509 b.c.• Traditionally the 7th and last king of Rome.

Murder

• Tarquninius had a son in law named Serivus Tullius. Tarquninius murdered his son in law to and absolute despotism (is a type of government like a dictatorship). This is why his name is Superbus meaning “the proud”.

The Revolt

• When the despotism started many senator were put to death. Finally a group of senators led by Lucius Junius Brutus raised a revolt. The reason for this was rape of a noble man Lucretia by Tarquninius son Sextus.

Expulsion

• Tarquninius and his family was expelled from Rome. The monarchy that was in place was disassembled. (about 509 BC)

War

• Tarquninius was said to have provoked many of Rome’s neighbors into war against Rome. The cities of Caere, Veii and Tarquinii at the battle of Silva Arsia. He then fled to Greek tyrant Aristodemus of Cumae.

BIB

• http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/583670/Tarquin

• http://www.princeton.edu/~achaney/tmve/wiki100k/docs/Lucius_Tarquinius_Superbus.html