Tanaquil

Tanaquil was, according to Roman tradition, the wife of Tarquinius Priscus, the fifth king of Rome. She is considered a key figure in the establishment of the Etruscan dynasty in Rome.

Biography and Role:

Tanaquil was an Etruscan noblewoman, known for her intelligence, ambition, and prophetic abilities. She hailed from Tarquinii, a major Etruscan city. Dissatisfied with the limited opportunities available to her and her ambitious husband, whose original name was Lucumo, Tanaquil persuaded him to migrate to Rome, then a developing city offering prospects for advancement.

The journey to Rome is famously recounted in Roman histories. As they approached the Janiculum Hill, an eagle seized Lucumo's cap and replaced it on his head. Tanaquil, interpreting this as an omen of greatness, urged her husband to continue to Rome.

Once in Rome, Lucumo changed his name to Lucius Tarquinius and, leveraging Tanaquil's influence and his own abilities, quickly gained prominence. He distinguished himself in military and political affairs, eventually succeeding Ancus Marcius to become the fifth king of Rome.

Tanaquil played an active role in Tarquinius Priscus's reign, advising him and influencing his decisions. After Tarquinius was assassinated by sons of Ancus Marcius, Tanaquil cleverly concealed his death and secured the throne for Servius Tullius, her son-in-law (or, in some accounts, a favored protégé), by falsely claiming Tarquinius was only wounded and had appointed Servius as regent. She then proclaimed Servius Tullius as the new king.

Significance:

Tanaquil is revered in Roman history as a symbol of female agency, intelligence, and political acumen. She is credited with facilitating the rise of the Tarquinian dynasty, which brought significant Etruscan influence to Rome, including advancements in architecture, engineering, and religious practices. Her actions in securing the throne for Servius Tullius ensured a period of prosperity and reform for Rome. Her story highlights the important, if often understated, roles women could play in shaping the course of early Roman history.