Lucius Tarquinius Superbus (original) (raw)

Lucius Tarquinius Superbus, called Tarquin II for short, king of Rome, son ofLucius Tarquinius Priscus, and son-in-law of Servius Tullius, immediately succeeded the latter without any election, and proceeded at once to repeal the recent reforms in the constitution, seeking to establish a pure despotism in their place. Wars were waged with the Latinsand Etruscans, but the lower classes were deprived of their arms, and employed in erecting monuments of regal magnificence, while the sovereign recruited his armies from his own retainers and from the forces of foreign allies.

The completion of the fortress temple to Jupiter on the Capitoline Hill confirmed his authority over the city, and a fortunate marriage of his son to the daughter of Octavus Manilius of Tusculum secured him powerful assistance in the field. His reign was characterised by bloodshed and violence; the outrage of his son Sextus Tarquinius upon Lucretia precipitated a revolt, which led to the expulsion of the entire family, after Tarquin had reigned twenty-five years. All efforts to force his way back to the throne were in vain, and he died a lonely and childless old man at Cumae in Etruria.