tarpeium

Tarpeium, also known as *Tarpeia* or *Tarpeius*, was a legendary figure from early Roman mythology associated with the ancient citadel of the Capitoline Hill in Rome. According to tradition, she was the daughter of the Sabine king Titus Tatius, one of Rome’s early allies and co-rulers alongside Romulus. The story of Tarpeium is primarily recorded in ancient Roman historical and mythological accounts, including those by Livy and Dionysius of Halicarnassus.

The myth centers on Tarpeium’s betrayal of the Romans in exchange for wealth. During a conflict between the Romans and the Sabines, Tarpeium allegedly offered to open the gates of the Capitoline Hill to the Sabines if they granted her personal riches. The Sabines, led by their commander, agreed but instead crushed her beneath their heavy shields, leading to her death. As punishment for her treachery, her body was allegedly thrown from the highest point of the Capitoline Hill, which became known as the *Tarpeian Rock* (Latin: *Rupes Tarpeia*). This site later became a place of execution for traitors and criminals in Roman times.

The Tarpeian Rock itself was a steep cliff near the Temple of Jupiter Optimus Maximus, where condemned individuals were pushed to their deaths. The myth served as a cautionary tale about betrayal and the consequences of treachery, reinforcing Roman values of loyalty and justice. Over time, the legend faded from historical prominence, but references to Tarpeium persisted in classical literature and art as a symbol of punishment for disloyalty.

While the historicity of Tarpeium is debated, her name remains tied to the Capitoline Hill’s dramatic geography and its role in Roman judicial practices. Archaeological evidence confirms the existence of the cliff, though no direct proof links it exclusively to the mythical figure. The story reflects broader themes in Roman mythology, blending historical memory with moral lessons.