Tarquinia (mother of Lucius Brutus)

Tarquinia was a Roman noblewoman, best known as the mother of Lucius Junius Brutus, one of the founders of the Roman Republic and traditionally credited with leading the revolt that overthrew the Roman monarchy. She was the daughter of Lucius Tarquinius Priscus, the fifth king of Rome, and Tanaquil. This made her a sister of Lucius Tarquinius Superbus, the seventh and last king of Rome.

According to Livy and other Roman historians, Tarquinia was married to Marcus Junius, a wealthy Roman citizen. Marcus Junius was reportedly killed by her brother, Tarquinius Superbus, who perceived him as a threat. After her husband's death, Tarquinia's eldest son was also murdered on the orders of Tarquinius Superbus. To protect her remaining son, Lucius Junius, from a similar fate, Tarquinia ensured he feigned stupidity, earning him the nickname "Brutus" (meaning "dull" or "stupid"). This deception allowed him to survive the reign of Tarquinius Superbus and ultimately play a crucial role in the overthrow of the monarchy and the establishment of the Roman Republic.