Historiae Romanorum

Lucius Tarquinius Superbus

The seventh and last king of Rome (534-509 BC).

He assassinated the previous king, Servius Tullius.  His reign was characterized by both violence and great progress.  He murdered many of the senators, and kept the people occupied with massive building projects.

After the rape of Lucretia by his son Sextus, he people finally were led to revolt against him by Brutus and Collatinus.

After losing his throne, Superbus did not give up hope of ruling Rome again.  He first tried to hatch a conspiracy against the fledgling Republic.  When that failed, he attacked it several times with large Etruscan armies.

For more on his murder of Servius Tullius, click here.

For more on his reign, click here.

For more on his attempt to regain the throne, click here.

Source(s):

1. Livy.  Ab Urbe Condita.

This page was last updated on July 21, 2004.