THE DEATH OF LUCRETIA
Romans hated Tarquin but needed a leader and opportunity. During a siege, princes argued whose wife was best. Visiting their homes, they found the princes' wives at a frivolous banquet, but Lucretia, wife of Collatinus, was spinning with her maidens. Sextus was struck by her beauty and later insulted her grossly. The good Lucretia told her husband what happened, then stabbed herself, preferring death to disgrace. Brutus drew the bloody dagger from her breast and swore to free Rome from the Tarquins. They carried her body to the marketplace. Brutus told the people her story. They voted to drive out the Tarquins forever and never use the name of king again. Tarquin fled to Etruria; Sextus went to Gabii, where the people killed him. After 245 years and seven kings, the monarchy ended. Brutus was called "Deliverer of the People."
The Text
What You'll Learn
Comprehension
Notes princes argued whose wife was best
Cause & Consequence
Explains why Lucretia killed herself: preferred death to disgrace
Significance
Understands this ended the Roman monarchy
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