Superbus Leadership In Ancient Rome

Every empire, dynasty, government, regime etc. has consisted of both good and bad leadership. This directly affects the society in which they oversee and/or control. The infamous Roman Empire experienced its share of triumphs and depression through its leader’s actions. Run as a monarchy, the kings of Rome had various ways of implementing their authority. Many of them chose to rule based on their interests and desires while others catered to the welfare of Rome’s booming population. Depending on the leader some received accolades and others faced a tragic ending due to their ignorance. Prior to the formation of the republic Rome the people endured both the spoils and hardships of war. The actions and/or qualities of the good and bad leaders

He was the final king of Rome before the republic of Rome was established. Superbus’ actions lead to the word rex (king in Greek) being perceived as almost a blasphemous word. His full name alone meant arrogant in Latin. The acquisition of Superbus’ kingship was unlawful to begin with and only lead to worse events. The previous king Servius Tullius was dethroned and killed; which lead to the rise of Tarquinius Superbus. “Then Tarquin, forced by sheer necessity into proceeding to the last extremity, seized Servius round the waist, and being a much younger and stronger man, carried him out of the senate-house and flung him down the steps into the Forum below.” (Livy, Book 1 section 3) Superbus was never elected by the people or ratified by the senate. In essence he forced his way into office and dealt with those who challenged his presence. The citizens of Rome complied with orders as Superbus characterized himself as a tyrant who ruled through fear. As stated earlier people did challenge the decisions of Superbus; they committed treason and were ordered to be executed or their property be seized. “..without being given a hearing, Turnus was condemned to a novel kind of execution: he was plunged into the source of the Ferentine water and drowned beneath a wicker crate heaped with stones.” (Livy, Book 1 section 3) The thoughts and desires of the Roman people had become almost non-existent. He became so obsessed with benefiting himself that it hurt and sacrificed the well being of the Roman people. He declared unjust wars to satisfy his power hungry personality, “He was the first to make war on the Volsci, a struggle that would last for 200 years after his time.” (Livy, Book 1 section 3) He eventually gained control of Gabii after using his son as a form of trickery. Stating he had surrendered the war and exiled his son Sextus Tarquinius due to disagreement. His attitude of deceit was just another element that caused