tarpeides

Tarpeides refers to a group of mythological figures in Roman and Greek tradition, primarily associated with the Tarpeian Rock (*Rupes Tarpeia*) in ancient Rome. The name derives from the Latin *Tarpeius*, linked to the Sabine king Titus Tatius, who allegedly demanded that the daughters of the Roman citizens be given to his warriors as brides in exchange for their military support. The Roman women, led by Tarpeia, agreed but were betrayed when the Sabines, instead of gifts, demanded that she open the gates of the citadel to them. In some versions, Tarpeia was crushed by their shields, while others claim she was killed by their spears.

The Tarpeides are often depicted as the daughters of Tarpeia, though some sources suggest they may have been a collective term for the women of Rome who perished in this betrayal. The myth underscores themes of treachery and the consequences of broken trust. The Tarpeian Rock itself became infamous as a site of execution, where traitors and criminals were thrown to their deaths, reinforcing its association with violent retribution.

In later Roman literature and art, the Tarpeides were occasionally referenced in broader contexts of Roman history and morality. The myth also appears in Ovid’s *Metamorphoses*, where it serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of unchecked ambition and deception. While the historical accuracy of the legend is debated, it remains a significant element of Roman mythological lore, illustrating early Roman-Sabine conflicts and the cultural values of the time.