Tarquinian

Tarquinian refers to anything relating to Tarquinia, an ancient Etruscan city in Italy, or to the Tarquinii, a prominent Etruscan family. The city of Tarquinia, located in modern-day Lazio, was one of the twelve cities of the Etruscan League. It was a significant center of Etruscan civilization, known for its elaborate necropolis, which contains thousands of tombs, many adorned with vibrant frescoes depicting scenes of Etruscan life, mythology, and funerary rituals. The Tarquinian necropolis is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and provides invaluable insights into Etruscan culture, art, and beliefs.

Historically, the Tarquinii family is associated with the Roman monarchy. According to Roman tradition, Tarquinius Priscus, Tarquinius Superbus, and Servius Tullius were Etruscan kings who ruled Rome during the regal period. Their reign, particularly that of Tarquinius Superbus, the last king, is often depicted as a time of tyranny, culminating in his overthrow and the establishment of the Roman Republic. The name "Tarquinian" can therefore also evoke this period of Roman history and the influence of Etruscan rule. The term is primarily used in archaeological, historical, and art historical contexts when discussing the Etruscan civilization and its interactions with ancient Rome.