LIBERTAS
Rome is ruled by kings, and the last of them, Tarquinius Superbus, rules by fear. Lucius Junius Brutus survives at his court by playing the fool; his very name means 'dullard'. During the siege of Ardea, the young princes wager over whose wife is the most virtuous, and ride home to see. Lucretia, wife of Collatinus, is found spinning wool late at night. The king's son Sextus Tarquinius comes back and assaults her. She calls her father and husband, tells them everything, makes them swear vengeance and takes her own life. Brutus drops his mask, draws the dagger from her body and swears an oath: no king will ever rule Rome again. The people rise, the Tarquins are driven out, and Rome chooses two consuls for one year. Then Brutus' own sons are caught plotting to bring the king back, and the first consul must sit in judgement over them.
Legend in its details, history in outline. Rome did end its monarchy around 509 BC and replaced it with yearly elected magistrates. Lucretia's story and Brutus' feigned foolishness come from Roman tradition written down centuries later.