Lucius Tarquinius Superbus, commonly known as Tarquin the Proud, was the seventh and final king of ancient Rome, serving from approximately 535 BC to 509 BC. He is remembered as one of the most tyrannical and autocratic rulers in Roman history.
Tarquinius Superbus belonged to the Etruscan dynasty and was the son of Tarquinius Priscus, his predecessor as king. He ascended to the throne through the murder of his own wife, Tullia, who was the daughter of Servius Tullius, the previous king. This act displayed his ruthless and ambitious nature, setting the tone for his reign.
During his rule, Tarquin the Proud was known for his disregard for the Senate and the rights of the people. He sought to expand his power and control over Rome through oppressive means, imposing heavy taxes, and utilizing slave labor to build extravagant structures such as the Temple of Jupiter on Capitoline Hill.
However, Tarquin's reign was also marked by certain achievements, including the creation of the Cloaca Maxima, Rome's great sewer system. Despite this, resentment towards his autocratic rule persisted among the Roman citizens and Senate.
Ultimately, Tarquin's tyrannical rule led to the establishment of the Roman Republic, as the people revolted against him. The overthrow of Tarquin the Proud resulted in the abolishment of the monarchy and the beginning of a new era of Republican governance in Rome.
