Ancient History - Origins of the Roman Republic

What was the story of the rape of Lucretia?

While Tarquin and family were arguing about their wives’ virtues, they decided to go home and spy on them. Tarquin’s cousin’s wife won. Tarquin’s son had seen Lucretia and was lustful. A few days later, he went to the house and raped her, having threatened to kill her and then expose her as an adulterer, so she submitted.

What did Lucretia do after?

Had her husband (Tarquin’s cousin) and father (Lucius Junius Brutus) come. They vowed revenge and she then killed herself

How had Brutus avoided being targeted by Tarquin?

Acted foolishly such as a prophecy saying the first man to kiss his mother would become King. Brutus kissed the ground

How did Brutus remove Tarquin?

As head of his bodyguards, made a speech calling for his removal. The people agreed and Tarquin was exiled

Who were the plebeians and patricians?

Plebs were Roman citizens not of the patrician class, the majority. Could be skilled or unskilled and had to pay taxes, feed family and do military service. Patricians were either from noble families or elevated but it eventually closed.

What was the Tarquin Conspiracy?

With army support, Brutus asked Colloatinus to step down (wife of Lucretia and a royal) for safety of the republic. Tarquin asked for his property back and Brutus and the Senate were divided with Brutus wanting to take it. During the debate they tried to kill Brutus and the other consul, Publius Valerius, found out and the conspirators were arrested and executed (including Brutus’ sons). The Senate then voted to seize Tarquin’s land.

What roles did the magistrate, lictor and consul take?

The magistrate had the power of the king, and their attendants were lictors. Two consuls served for one year and protected Rome, heading the armies. One consul could block the other and they performed rituals before battles. They could be elected more than once, but non consecutively.

What did the censor, dictator and master of the horse do?

Censors were elected for five years and performed the Census, managed the Senate and decided contracts. They decided classes for citizens and also “maintained public morals” and organised state building projects.

In times of emergency, dictators replaced consuls with total power for 6 months. The master of the horse held the dictator to account.