Scholars and ancient sources themselves disagree on when the monarchy was overthrown. The most well-known date for the establishment of the republic is 509 BC. This specific dating emerges from the Varronian chronology, assembled during the late republic by Marcus Terentius Varro. Later historians reported dates roughly around that time, implying that the republic was founded in different years depending on the source. Dionysius of Halicarnassus placed it in the first year of the 68th Olympiad or the year Isagoras was eponymous archon at Athens, which implies 508, 7 BC. Polybius stated it occurred 28 years before Xerxes crossed into Greece, implying 508 BC. A census taken in 389 or 388 BC suggested 119 years had passed, implying 508 or 507 BC. Gnaeus Flavius asserted his temple to Concordia was dedicated 204 years after the dedication of the capitol. Because his temple was dedicated in 303 BC, this implies the capitol was dedicated in 507. Modern scholars are sceptical of much of this traditional chronology, especially that related to the dedication of the capitol. Many historians have argued that the lists of consuls are an unreliable anachronism of the late republic. Resolution of this topic is difficult due to the absolute paucity of reliable sources.
The Story of Lucretia
Roman tradition held that there were seven kings of Rome who reigned from the city's founding up to the reign of Tarquin. The traditional account portrays a dynastic struggle in which the king's second son, Sextus Tarquinius, rapes a noblewoman named Lucretia. Upon revealing the assault to some Roman noblemen, she kills herself. The Roman noblemen, led by Lucius Junius Brutus, obtain the support of the Roman aristocracy and the people to expel the king and his family. They create a republic where two consuls are elected annually to rule the city. During this time, Tarquin has been conducting a war against Ardea but rushes back to Rome on news of the coup. The city is shut before him and the coup leaders convince the army at Ardea to join them. Brutus and Collatinus then become the first consuls with Brutus administering an oath before the people to never again tolerate a king in Rome. He also proposes the banishment of all members of the Tarquin clan. Soon after, Brutus' two sons are discovered plotting to restore the monarchy. After the conspiracy is exposed by a slave, Brutus orders the death of his own sons and relatives.