The wife of Tarquinius Priscus, the legendary fifth king of Rome. She is the first woman in Roman history to play an active role.
She was from noble birth, and expected great things from her husband. Tarquin was fabulously wealthy, but his father was not an Etruscan. Because of this, he was considered a foreigner and could not advance himself politically. She therefore persuaded him to leave their home of Tarquinii and move to Rome, where he would not be held back by his lineage.
Tarquin then went on to become king of Rome. While he was ruling, Tanaquil opinion on her husband. It was because of her that Servius Tullius became the next king. That Tanaquil was allowed to play an important role is a reflection upon Etruscan culture. In Etruria, women were on virtually equal footing with men.
For more on Tanaquil's life, click here.
Source(s):
Livy. Ab Urbe Condita.