Enter the Tarquin Kings

Aim: to understand how Tarquinius Priscus becomes King and analyse the changing nature of Kingship

Changing nature of Kingship

• The established means of becoming king was through the interregnum.

• By the Rule of Ancus Marcius however we see leaning toward a hereditary ascension to to the throne.

• How are the pre-Tarquin Kings related?

Romulus

Numa Pompilius

Hostilius

Ancus Marcius

Gra

ndso

nG

randson of Hero w

ho fought w

ith Romulus

Where to next?

Background to Priscus

• Not a Roman!• Born in the Etruscan

Town of Tarquinii.• Birth name= Lucomo • Son of a Corinthian

(Greek) refugee.• Inherits a huge

fortune from his father’s death.

• Marries Tanaquil:• “..descended from one of the

foremost families …could not bear the thought of a position by marriage being inferior to her birth”.

• Etruscan society looked down on Lucomo (Tarquinius) as he was the son of a refugee.

• Little or no chance for ‘advancement’ so they head to Rome.

VERY ambitious!

Why Rome?• Etruscans were a ‘closed’ society in terms of

ruling.• Romulus took in refugees.• Rome had non Roman kings- Numa was a

Sabine and Ancus Marcius was the son of a Sabine.

• Why do you think Livy goes to such lengths to point this out?

Rome offered the all important opportunity to the ambitious

Lucomo and Tanaquin (Think American Dream!)

The Journey to Rome• On the journey to Rome an

Eagle swoops down and takes his hat!

• A minute later, it swoops back down and puts it back on his head.

• Tanaquil interprets this as an omen that Lucomo will be a king (of Rome).

• Obviously he likes that!

What is it with the birds all the

time?!?

Arrival in Rome

• Lucomo takes on the name Tarquinius Priscus.• He and his wife wine and dine the

Patrician classes.• He cosies up to Ancus Marcius.• He gets put in charge of Marcius’ will!

Death of Ancus• Ancus dies before his 2 sons ‘come of age’.• Tarquinius wants the throne!• He sends the 2 sons off on a hunting trip

before the interregnum.• He nominates himself king.• Because of all his ‘wining and dining’ he is

elected and becomes king.• Ancus’ sons are ‘well annoyed’!

Changing nature of Kingship

• There is an inference that succession is now hereditary (the sons would take over).

• Does this explain why Tarquinius sends them on a trip?

• Would he have been elected anyway?

• What do you think the sons will do now?