Lucre´tia

A celebrated Roman lady, daughter of Lucretius and wife of Tarquinius Coll at in us. A number of young noble Romans at Ardea, among whom were Coll at in us and the sons of Tarquin the Proud, were discu ing the virtues of their wives at home, and it was agreed to go to Rome to ascertain how their wives employed themselves in their husbands’ absence in the camp. While the wives of the others were indulging in feasting and di ipation, Lucretia was found in her house employing herself with her servants in domestic duties. She was brutally treated by Sextus Tarquin, a relative of Coll at in us, and stabbed herself. This was the signal for a rebellion, the result being the expulsion of the Tarquins from Rome.