Who was Sextus Tarquinius and what was his family background?
Sextus Tarquinius was one of the sons of Lucius Tarquinius Superbus, the last king of Rome. Historical records indicate his family held Etruscan descent.
Questions about Sextus Tarquinius
Short answers, pulled from the story.
How did Sextus Tarquinius deceive the town of Gabii?
King Tarquinius Superbus sent Sextus to pretend he defected from his father's army. This young prince became a general within the enemy ranks and allowed his father to seize the town without further bloodshed.
What happened when Sextus Tarquinius visited Lucretia in Collatia?
In the dead of night he entered her chamber with a drawn sword and threatened to kill her and a slave if she refused him. Soon after sending messages to her husband and father Spurius Lucretius Tricipitinus, she killed herself.
When did Roman tradition state that Sextus Tarquinius died?
Roman tradition states Sextus fled to Gabii seeking safe haven after the assault. He was killed there as revenge for his past actions against the town.
Which artists created paintings depicting Tarquin and Lucretia between 1520 and 1664?
Joos Van Cleve illustrated Suicide of Lucretia between 1520 and 1525 while Titian created Tarquin and Lucretia in 1571. Rubens painted Tarquinius and Lucretia in 1610 now held by the Hermitage Museum and Rembrandt van Rijn completed his Lucretia painting in 1664 displayed at NGA 83.
How did William Shakespeare reference Sextus Tarquinius in his works?
William Shakespeare wrote The Rape of Lucrece as a narrative poem lasting two hours recitation time. He alludes to Tarquin in multiple plays including Macbeth and Cymbeline where Iachimo compares himself to Tarquin entering Imogen's bedchamber.