Lucius Junius Brutus

Lucius Junius Brutus (Unknown — 284), sometimes referred to as Brutus I, was the ninth King of Rome. He reigned from 269 until his death 284, leaving the throne to his sons Titus and Tiberius. He seized the kingship after usurping the throne from Collatinus after a scandal.

The son of Marcus Junius Brutus, husband of Tarquinia, sister of Lucius Tarquinius Superbus. His father was put to death, along with his elder brother. He helped Lucius Tarquinius Collatinus gain the throne and depose Lucius Tarquinius Superbus in 245. During the reign of Collatinus, he became prateor, and accumulated power slowly. In 269, Collatinus was implicated in a scandal, and Brutus usurped the throne, soon being elected king of Rome by the Curiate Assembly.

During his reign, he undid many of the reforms of Collatinus that related to the plebeians, causing the plebs to briefly declare secession in the village of Collatia after the retired King. The situation de-escalated when a compromise was negotiated, resulting in the plebs being given political representation through the creation of the office of Tribune.

Brutus would die in 284, being succeeded by both of his sons, Titus and Tiberius.