Tarquinius’s Attempt to become King Again

Due to the death of Lucretia, Brutus and the Romans ran Tarquinius Superbus and his family out of Rome.

Brutus then changed the government from a monarchy to a republic.

Tarquinius, however, still wished to be king of Rome, so he requested help from Lars Porsenna, a neighboring king.

Lars agreed to help and sent an army to attack Rome, placing his troops on the opposite side of the Tiber.

There was a single bridge across the Tiber called the Pons Sublicius (“the bridge built on piles”).

Rome sent soldiers across the bridge, led by Horatio Cocles (“Blind in One Eye”).

According to legend, Horatio single-handedly fought Lars’ army while the Roman soldiers destroyed the Pons Sublicius.

When the Pons Sublicius was destroyed, Horatio then swam back to Rome across the Tiber.

Rome had outwitted Lars Porsenna. Would they be so lucky next time?!

NEXT WEEK: LARS TRIES AGAIN!