What Did Tarquinius Superbus Do for Rome?

By Michael Ferguson

What Did Tarquinius Superbus Do for Rome?

Tarquinius Superbus, also known as Tarquin the Proud, was the seventh and final king of ancient Rome. His reign, which lasted from 535 BC to 509 BC, was marked by both significant achievements and controversial actions that shaped the history of Rome. Let’s explore some of the key contributions and controversies associated with Tarquinius Superbus.

The Construction of Great Public Works

One of the notable accomplishments during Tarquinius Superbus’ rule was his focus on massive construction projects that aimed to enhance the grandeur and infrastructure of Rome. These projects included:

  • The Temple of Jupiter Optimus Maximus: Tarquinius Superbus commissioned the construction of a magnificent temple dedicated to Jupiter, the chief deity in Roman mythology. This temple stood atop Capitoline Hill and became a symbol of Roman power and religious devotion.
  • The Cloaca Maxima: Recognizing the need for an efficient drainage system in a growing city, Tarquinius ordered the construction of the Cloaca Maxima, a large sewer system that served to drain excess water from marshy areas and improve sanitation in Rome.
  • The Circus Maximus: Another significant project undertaken by Tarquinius was the expansion and improvement of the Circus Maximus, an ancient chariot racing stadium. This endeavor aimed to accommodate larger crowds and provide better facilities for spectators.

Expansionist Policies

Tarquinius Superbus pursued an aggressive foreign policy that aimed to expand Roman influence beyond its borders. He engaged in military campaigns against neighboring cities such as Gabii and Ardea, successfully annexing them into the Roman territory. These conquests not only expanded Rome’s territorial control but also brought valuable resources and increased wealth to the city.

Controversies and Tyrannical Rule

Despite his achievements, Tarquinius Superbus’ reign was plagued by controversies and accusations of tyrannical behavior. Some of the notable controversies include:

  • The Rape of Lucretia: One of the most infamous incidents associated with Tarquinius Superbus was the rape of Lucretia, a virtuous Roman noblewoman. This incident sparked a revolt against Tarquinius’ rule and ultimately led to his expulsion from Rome.
  • Suppression of Political Opposition: Tarquinius Superbus employed oppressive tactics to silence dissent and maintain his power.

    He marginalized political rivals, confiscated their property, and used force to suppress any opposition that arose against him.

  • The Brutal Reign: Tarquinius’ rule was characterized by cruelty and disregard for the well-being of his subjects. His oppressive measures created an atmosphere of fear and discontent among the Roman people.

The End of Tarquinius Superbus’ Rule

In 509 BC, a rebellion led by Lucius Junius Brutus, along with other prominent Romans, resulted in the expulsion of Tarquinius Superbus from Rome. This event marked the end of monarchy in Rome and paved the way for the establishment of the Roman Republic.

Tarquinius Superbus’ legacy remains mixed. While he contributed to Rome’s architectural magnificence and territorial expansion, his tyrannical rule and controversial actions left a lasting impact on Roman society. The overthrow of his rule and the subsequent establishment of a republic represented a turning point in the history of Rome, shaping its future as a democratic state.

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