Mediterranean

Environs

Urbs

Etruscans

7 Kings

• Romulus (& Remus)

• Numa Pompilius

• Tullus Hostilius

• Ancus Marcius (ancestor of Coriolanus)

• Tarquinius Priscus

• Servius Tullius

• Tarquinius Superbus

Rape of the Sabine Women

Nicolas Poussin, 17th Century

Social/Political Organization

• Rex – war, religion, law• Imperium – absolute power• Senatus (members are Patres)• Comitia (members are from the Populus)• Patricii (Wealthy, old families)& Plebs (poor)• Patronus & Cliens (traditional relationship

between wealthy and poor families)• Also slave/free, citizen/non-citizen

Social/Religious Structures

• Domus headed by Paterfamilias

Family deities-Lares, Penates, Vesta

• Jupiter & Mars, numina, manes

• State headed by Rex State deities – same, plus Janus as guardian of gates

• Divination an important function

• Reciprocity in dealings with gods

509 Tarquinius Superbus expelled by Brutus- casus is rape

of Lucretia by Tarquin’s son

This event was followed by the founding of a Republic and 250 years of struggles (Vide ‘Coriolanus’)

internal – between ‘orders’

external – with other Italian folk

Rape of Lucretia by Vecelli, 1570