History of Lucius Tarquinius Superbus

Lucius Tarquinius Superbus, often referred to simply as Tarquin the Proud, was the legendary seventh and final king of Rome, whose reign marks a significant and turbulent period in early Roman history. His legacy is entwined with tyranny, political intrigue, and the eventual transformation of Rome from monarchy to the early Republic. Understanding Tarquinius Superbus provides insights not only into the nature of ancient Roman politics but also into the societal values and dynamics of early Rome.

### Background and Rise to Power

Lucius Tarquinius Superbus was part of the Etruscan Tarquin dynasty that played a significant role in Rome's early development. His father, Lucius Tarquinius Priscus, was the fifth king of Rome, and his grandfather was likely Demaratus of Corinth, an elite Greek immigrant to Italy. The Etruscans were influential in Rome during this time, bringing with them new artistic and cultural ideas that left a lasting impression on Roman society.

Tarquinius Superbus ascended to the throne through violence and cunning. He married Tullia, the ambitious daughter of the sixth king, Servius Tullius. With Tullia's support, Tarquinius orchestrated a coup against Servius Tullius. Accounts from Roman history recall that Servius was thrown down the steps of the senate house and assassinated on the street at the behest of Tarquin and Tullia. Tarquinius' rise was marked by brutality, leaving a stain on his legacy even before his reign truly began.

### Reign and Political Maneuvers

Tarquinius Superbus' reign from 535 to 509 BCE was characterized by authoritarian rule and an undermining of existing political structures. He was known for his efforts to eliminate political rivals and exert absolute control, ruling without the consent of the Roman Senate. Tarquinius disbanded advisory councils and refused to consult the Senate on important matters, an affront to Roman political norms that valued collective governance and decision-making processes.

He was also notorious for his extensive public works projects, including the completion of the Temple of Jupiter Optimus Maximus and the main sewer of Rome, the Cloaca Maxima. While these projects demonstrated his dedication to Rome’s grandeur, they were often achieved through the oppressive labor of Rome’s lower classes. His ambitious building agenda helped to establish Rome as a significant urban center, but it also further entrenched his reputation as a tyrant due to the harsh means of labor and excessive taxation.

### External Conflicts and Diplomacy

Tarquinius' reign was also defined by external military activities and diplomatic strategies aimed at consolidating power both within and beyond Rome. He sought to expand Rome’s influence through a series of military campaigns against surrounding Latin and Etruscan cities. His conquests expanded Roman territory, but his harsh methods and the imposed subjugation of other cities bred resentment and unrest among his allies and subjects alike.

To fortify his rule, Tarquinius also engaged in diplomatic marriages, aligning his family with significant political entities in the region. However, the diplomatic relations he tried to establish were often undermined by his despotic behavior, leaving a legacy of instability and mistrust.

### Fall and Legacy

The downfall of Tarquinius Superbus is as dramatic as his ascent. The key event that led to his expulsion was the infamous incident involving his son, Sextus Tarquinius, and the noblewoman Lucretia. Sextus raped Lucretia, who later took her own life after revealing the crime to her family and others. This incident sparked widespread outrage and was a catalyst for the revolt led by Lucius Junius Brutus and other nobles, who were determined to overthrow the tyranny of Tarquin.

In 509 BCE, the Roman populace, together with the aggrieved nobility, expelled Tarquin and his family from Rome. This marked the end of the Roman monarchy and the beginning of the Republican era, known for its emphasis on shared governance through elected magistrates and a representational senatorial system. The abolition of the monarchy also saw the creation of new political offices, such as consuls, to balance power and prevent the return of tyranny.

### The Symbol of Tyranny

Tarquinius Superbus survived in Roman memory as a symbol of tyranny and excess. His reign was a powerful narrative used by subsequent generations to justify and celebrate the Roman Republic's virtues over monarchy. The story of his expulsion and the establishment of the Republic were instrumental in shaping Roman political ideology, particularly the disdain for kingship and the emphasis on civic duty and collective governance.

In historical discourse, Tarquinius’ reign is emblematic of the challenges that nascent Rome faced as it navigated the complexities of power, governance, and social structure. While his rule is often vilified, it undeniably contributed to the foundational shifts in Roman political identity, setting the stage for the Roman Republic’s rise and Rome's eventual position as a dominant power in the ancient world. Through this, Tarquinius Superbus remains a pivotal, if controversial, figure in the tapestry of Roman history.