What Happened to the 7th King of Rome?

By Alice Nichols

The story of the 7th King of Rome is shrouded in mystery and intrigue. According to ancient Roman legends, the 7th King was a ruler who met a tragic end. Let’s delve into what happened to this enigmatic figure.

The Reign of the 7th King

The 7th King of Rome, known as Lucius Tarquinius Superbus, ascended to power in the late 6th century BC. He was a controversial figure whose reign was marked by both military conquests and ruthless tyranny.

Bold Text: Lucius Tarquinius Superbus sought to consolidate his power through bold military campaigns and expansionist policies.

Tyranny and Controversy

Underlined Text: Despite his military successes, Superbus’ reign was marred by widespread discontent among the citizens of Rome. He ruled with an iron fist, suppressing dissent and imposing harsh penalties on those who opposed him.

Superbus’ tyrannical rule led to growing resentment amongst the Roman people. His arrogance and disregard for their welfare eventually led to his downfall.

The Fall of the 7th King

In an attempt to consolidate his power further, Superbus ordered the construction of a massive temple dedicated to Jupiter Optimus Maximus on Rome’s Capitoline Hill. The construction project was met with outrage from both the senators and the common people.

  • Underlined List Item: The exorbitant cost associated with building such a grand temple infuriated many Romans who were already suffering under Superbus’ oppressive rule.
  • Bold List Item: The construction project also required forced labor from enslaved individuals, leading to even more resentment towards the king.

The Prophecy of the Sibyl

Amidst the growing discontent, a mysterious woman known as the Sibyl approached Superbus with a prophecy. She warned him that his reign would end with violence and bloodshed.

Bold Text: The prophecy shook Superbus to his core, but his arrogance prevented him from heeding its warning.

The Conspiracy and Death

A conspiracy formed against Superbus, led by Lucius Junius Brutus, the son of one of Superbus’ victims. The conspirators sought to overthrow the tyrannical king and restore freedom and justice to Rome.

In 509 BC, their plan came to fruition. Superbus was expelled from Rome in a violent uprising known as the “Tarquinian conspiracy.” He fled to Etruria, never managing to reclaim his throne.

The Legacy of the 7th King

Underlined Text: The fall of Lucius Tarquinius Superbus marked the end of Roman monarchy and paved the way for the establishment of the Roman Republic. His downfall became a symbol of resistance against tyranny.

The events surrounding the life and death of the 7th King of Rome remain an integral part of Roman history and mythology. They serve as a reminder that even the most powerful rulers are not immune to their own hubris.