Here comes the ‘Amazing Flame Boy’

Aim: to understand the ascension of Servius Tullius

Trouble on the throne• Tarquinius doesn’t exactly

have the easiest of reigns toward the end…

• The issue of an heir becomes very important.

• His wife doesn’t help• Lets not forget the 2 sons of

Ancus!• Read Livy 39

Answer the following questions

• Why is the child special?

• How does Tanaquil interpret this?

• What relation is the child to the king?

• Why is Livy unreliable here?

But what about the sons of Ancus?

• Read section 40

• Why are the sons so angry?• What do they plan to do?• Who do they recruit?• How does the ‘terrible deed’ go down?

• It doesn’t work! Servius becomes the next king

Parallel Lives?

Tarquinius Priscus

Servius Tullius

Tarquinius Priscus

Servius Tullius

Julius Caesar

(Octavian) Augustus

Julius Caesar

Augustus

Adoptive son

Murdered

Appointed next ruler

Plenary

•What questions/ issues does Servius Tullius’ ascension raise?• Is the Interregnum dead?•What role does religion/ omens

play?• Is Rome Roman?