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Tarquinius Priscus 618-578 - Coggle Diagram
Tarquinius Priscus 618-578
Succession
Demaratus fled Corinth in 657 and created a trade empire in the etruscan city of Tarquinii
he died and his eldest son was Lucumo, whose noble wife encouraged him to move to rome where he could have more power
according to livy, when lucumo saw the gates of rome an eagle flew down and snatched his cap, circled him for some time, and then placed it back on his head
his wife saw this as an omen that he could secure the throne of rome
he went to see king ancus marcius and offered to give much of his wealth to the roman people, in return ancus gave him and his followers a plot of land
lucumo changed his name to be roman - Lucius Tarquinius Priscus
he won the hearts of the people - patricians and plebeians alike
dionysus
suggested that it was priscus' charitable nature and military record that made him become king, but
livy
said it was
ambitus
(political corruption and bribery)
livy accuses Priscus of using his father's wealth to win the support of the people, an example of
largesse
(giving gifts or money to people)
Priscus also made sure that Ancus' children were removed from rome to clear his way to power
political change
priscus added 100 of his men to the senate to consolidate his power
the circus maximus was built by priscus with the spoils of war and granted a number of patricians the right to build their own seating areas
at the age of 80, priscus was murdered by ancius marcius' sons
Social Change
increased the number of festivals and games in rome like etruscan boxing and chariot racing
the forum was extended and shops were built. this is supported by archeology
an open air sewer was constructed, supported by archeology. the etruscans were excellent engineers
Religious Change
increased number of vestal virgins to 6
harshened punishments for vestal virgins who broke their vow of chastity
Military Record
livy and Dionysius agree he was a great military commander
he defeated several latin cities
also defeated etruscan and sabine cities
a sabine army crossed the anio river and threatened the city, and priscus demanded new centuries to meet the threat
attus navius, an augur, stopped him by suggesting the gods did not support this plan
priscus still managed to double the number of men in each century and add 1,200 horsemen
priscus defeated the sabines