Lucius Tarquinius Priscus

Lucius Tarquinius Priscus
Lucius Tarquinius Priscus, 16th-century depiction published by Guillaume Rouillé
King of Rome
Reign	c. 616–578 BC
Predecessor	Ancus Marcius
Successor	Servius Tullius
Spouse	Tanaquil
Issue	Tarquinia Lucius Tarquinius Arruns Tarquinius
Father	Demaratus of Corinth

Lucius Tarquinius Priscus (Classical Latin: [tarˈkʷɪniʊs ˈpriːskʊs]), or Tarquin the Elder, was the legendary fifth king of Rome and first of its Etruscan dynasty. He reigned for thirty-eight years.^[1] Tarquinius expanded Roman power through military conquest and grand architectural constructions. His wife was the prophetess Tanaquil.^[2]

Not much is known about the early life of Lucius Tarquinius Priscus. According to Livy, Tarquin came from Etruria. Livy claims that his original Etruscan name was Lucumo, but since lucumo is the latinized form of the Etruscan word lauchume "king", there is reason to believe that Priscus' name and title have been confused in the official tradition. After inheriting his father's entire fortune, Lucius attempted to gain a political office. However, he was prohibited from obtaining political office in Tarquinii because of the ethnicity of his father, Demaratus, who came from the Greek city of Corinth. As a result, his wife Tanaquil advised him to relocate to Rome. Legend has it that on his arrival in Rome in a chariot, an eagle took his cap, flew away and then returned it back upon his head. Tanaquil, who was skilled in prophecy, interpreted this as an omen of his future greatness. In Rome, he attained respect through his courtesy. King Ancus Marcius noticed Tarquinius and, by his will, appointed Tarquinius guardian of his own sons.^[3]