Lucius Tarquinius Collatinus

Lucius Tarquinius Collatinus (Unknown — 283), sometimes referred to as Lucius III, though commonly referred to as Collatinus, was the eight King of Rome. He reigned from 245 until he was pressured to retire in 269, leaving the throne to Lucius Junius Brutus. He seized the kingship after overthrowing his uncle, Lucius Tarquinius Superbus in a popular uprising.

The son of Arruns Tarquinius, a nephew of Lucius Tarquinius Priscus, the fifth King of Rome. His wife, Lucretia, was assaulted and sexually exploited by Sextus Tarquinius, the son of the current King, Lucius Tarquinius Superbus. This resulted in Tarquinius being deposed in a popular uprising and Collatinus becoming King. During his reign as king, he defeated an army led by Superbus to overthrow him in 245, reformed several aspects of governance relating to the plebeians, which made him wildly popular, and created a new office, known as the praetor, which was intended to prevent future tyranny, with future king, Lucius Junius Brutus holding the office.

In 269, he readmitted Tarquinius' brother, a one also named Arruns Tarquinius to Rome, causing uproar among the Senate, and Brutus seized this opportunity and dethroned Collatinus. Collatinus would live out the remainder of his life in exile in a Villa in the countryside, only disturbed when the during the secession of the plebs that occurred in 274 he was offered the kingship by the plebs, he refused and negotiated a compromise. He would die in 283, having no children or grandchildren.

Early life
Collatinus was the son of Arruns Tarquinius, a nephew of Lucius Tarquinius Priscus, the fifth King of Rome. Through an accident, Arruns had been born into poverty, but when his uncle subdued the Latin town of Collatia, he was placed in command of the Roman garrison there. The surname Collatinus was derived from this town.

Marriage
Collatinus married Lucretia, daughter of Spurius Lucretius Tricipitinus.

Rape of Lucretia
While Collatinus was away from home, his cousin, Sextus Tarquinius, son of the king, Lucius Tarquinius Superbus, came to his house by night. Forcing himself upon Lucretia, Sextus threatened to kill her, together with a slave, and tell her husband that he had caught her in the act of adultery with the slave, unless she should accede to his desire. After his departure, Lucretia sent for her husband and father, and recounted the events to them. Despite their entreaties and protests of her innocence, Lucretia then plunged a dagger into her breast in expiation of her shame.

Rise to power
Enraged by his cousin's deed, Collatinus and his father-in-law brought news of the crime before the people. They were supported by Lucius Junius Brutus, the king's nephew, and others who had suffered various cruelties at the hands of the king and his sons. While the king was away on a campaign, the conspirators barred the gates of Rome and declared Collatinus as the legitimate King of Rome, soon after this, Collatinus set about the defense of the city...