Lucius Tarquinius Superbus
Who was Lucius Tarquinius Superbus?
King of Rome from 535 to 509 BC
Biographical data adapted from Wikipedia’s article on Lucius Tarquinius Superbus (CC BY-SA 4.0).
Biography
Lucius Tarquinius Superbus was Rome's seventh and last king, ruling from 535 to 509 BC. Known as Superbus, meaning 'proud' or 'arrogant,' he was the final Roman monarch before the Roman Republic began. Ancient accounts either identify him as the son or grandson of Lucius Tarquinius Priscus, the fifth king of Rome, but historians still debate his exact family ties.
Tarquinius Superbus came to power through violence, staging several murders to take the throne. According to tradition, he killed his first wife and elder brother, then married Tullia Minor, the daughter of King Servius Tullius. Together, they plotted the assassination of Servius Tullius, Tullia's father and Tarquinius's predecessor. His ruthless rise set the tone for his rule, which ancient historians describe as tyrannical and oppressive.
Throughout his 25-year rule, Tarquinius Superbus started various building projects and military campaigns while tightening his control. He finished the Temple of Jupiter Optimus Maximus on Capitoline Hill, which his predecessor had begun, and started the construction of the Cloaca Maxima, Rome's sewer system. His military efforts included campaigns against the Volsci and the siege of Ardea, mainly to maintain his power rather than to expand Roman territory.
Tarquinius's downfall began when his son Sextus Tarquinius attacked Lucretia, the wife of Lucius Tarquinius Collatinus, and she subsequently committed suicide. This outraged Roman nobles and citizens. Led by Lucius Junius Brutus, a revolt in 509 BC forced Tarquinius Superbus into exile. He fled to Cumae in Campania, where he spent his remaining years trying to reclaim his throne through alliances and military attempts, even seeking help from Lars Porsena of Clusium. He died in exile in 495 BC, never managing to regain power.
Before Fame
The early life of Tarquinius Superbus is a blend of history and legend typical of Rome's early times. Born into the Tarquin dynasty, he grew up in the royal court during Servius Tullius's rule, who succeeded his ancestor Tarquinius Priscus. Ancient accounts say he first married Tullia Major, one of Servius Tullius's daughters, while his brother married Tullia Minor.
His rise to power involved a calculated political plot with Tullia Minor, who shared his ambitions. They got rid of their spouses and married each other, forming an alliance that helped them overthrow Servius Tullius. This time of court intrigue and family violence showed how unstable royal succession was in early Rome, where power often depended more on force and politics than on birthright.
Key Achievements
- Completed major construction projects including the Temple of Jupiter Optimus Maximus
- Oversaw the construction of the Cloaca Maxima sewer system
- Maintained Roman military campaigns against neighboring peoples including the Volsci
- Consolidated monarchical power and royal authority during his 25-year reign
- Acquired the Sibylline Books, important prophetic texts for Roman religion
Did You Know?
- 01.His son Sextus Tarquinius's assault on Lucretia directly led to the Roman Revolution and the end of the monarchy
- 02.He completed the Temple of Jupiter Optimus Maximus, which became one of Rome's most important religious sites
- 03.According to legend, he consulted the Sibylline Books after purchasing them from the Cumaean Sibyl at an enormous price
- 04.He was related to two different Tullia sisters, first marrying Tullia Major before having her killed to marry Tullia Minor
- 05.His exile lasted 14 years, during which he continuously plotted his return with various foreign allies