Tarquinian conspiracy
The Tarquinian conspiracy was a conspiracy amongst a number of senators and leading men of ancient Rome in 509 BC to reinstate the monarchy, and to put Lucius Tarquinius Superbus back on the throne. The conspirators were discovered and executed. The story is part of Rome's early semi-legendary history.
Background
In 509 BC the
Conspiracy formed, but discovered
Brutus was elected as one of Rome's first two consuls in 509 BC. In that year ambassadors from the royal family arrived in Rome to seek to persuade the senate to return to the royals their personal effects which had been seized during the coup. In secret, while the
However, a slave of the Vitelii, having witnessed a meeting of the conspirators at his master's house (which Plutarch claims involved a horrific oath by human sacrifice and cannibalism[citation needed]), alerted the consuls who immediately seized the ambassadors and the conspirators without great tumult.[3]
Punishment
The ambassadors of the royal family had persuaded the conspirators to confirm their dedication to the royalist cause in writing, and therefore the guilt of the conspirators was not in doubt.[4]
The ambassadors were released, out of respect for the law of nations.[5] However the traitors were condemned to death, including the sons of Brutus.[6]
The consuls sat upon the tribunal to witness the execution. The
The slave who had revealed the conspiracy was granted his freedom and status as a Roman citizen, and was also awarded a sum of money as reward.[9]
References
- Ab urbe condita, 1.58-60
- Ab urbe condita, 2.3-4
- Ab urbe condita, 2.4
- Ab urbe condita, 2.4
- Ab urbe condita, 2.4
- Ab urbe condita, 2.5
- Ab urbe condita, 2.5
- ^ Plutarch, Parallel Lives, From "Life of Poplicola": 'Brutus, however, is said not to have turned aside his face, nor allowed the least glance of pity to soften and smooth his aspect of rigour and austerity, but sternly watched his children suffer'
- Ab urbe condita, 2.5