509 BC (in the Roman calendar 244 ab urbe condita), is the year usually attributed to the overthrow of Tarquinius Superbus, the last Etruscan king, and the establishment of the Roman Republic.
However, there is some debate among historians over whether Tarquinius (also known as Tarquin the Proud) was actually a historical person, and if so, the precise date at which he was overthrown. This is a traditional tale and a best guess.
And as for the reasons for the revolution, there are a number of myths about the triggering event (most famously the Rape of Lucretia), but basically none of them are historically credible. We simply don't know what exactly inspired people to rise up against Tarquinius, topple his government, and establish the Roman Republic. Unless we find new information (perhaps from archaeological finds), we may never know.
No comments:
Post a Comment