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, 17 th 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