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Tarpeian

Tarpeian is an adjective and noun derived from Tarpeia, a figure in Roman legend, and from the Tarpeian Rock, a cliff on the Capitoline Hill in Rome. In classical and later usage, the term conveys treachery or severe punishment, especially death by falling from a height, and is often tied to the historic or legendary punishment of traitors.

Tarpeian Rock is a prominent natural overlook on the Capitoline Hill above the Roman Forum. In ancient

Tarpeia, the eponym of Tarpeian, figures in Roman myth as the daughter of Spurius Tarpeius, the commander

In later literature and art, Tarpeian is used to evoke treachery, harsh punishment, and the association of

tradition,
it
was
reputedly
the
place
where
traitors
and
criminals
were
executed
by
being
hurled
from
the
cliff.
The
phrase
Tarpeian
punishment
appears
in
historical
and
literary
contexts
to
describe
such
executions,
giving
the
rock
its
name
as
a
symbol
of
treachery
punished.
of
the
Capitoline
garrison.
According
to
Livy
and
other
sources,
she
betrayed
Rome
to
invading
forces
(traditionally
the
Sabines)
in
exchange
for
gold
bracelets.
She
was
killed
by
the
bracelets
she
sought,
and
the
Tarpeian
Rock
subsequently
became
linked
with
the
punishment
of
traitors.
a
landmark
with
traitorous
acts.
The
term
remains
a
historical
shorthand
in
discussions
of
Roman
topography,
legend,
and
the
broader
cultural
memory
of
punishment
for
treachery.