Lucius Junius Brutus was a foundational figure in the history of the Roman Republic. Traditionally considered the founder of the Republic, he played a pivotal role in the overthrow of the last Roman king, Lucius Tarquinius Superbus, in 509 BC.
Brutus was born into the gens Junia, a prominent family in Rome. His father, Lucius Junius, was assassinated by Tarquin the Proud, which led Brutus to feign stupidity to avoid a similar fate, earning him the nickname "Brutus" meaning "dull" or "stupid."
After the expulsion of the Tarquins, Brutus and Lucius Tarquinius Collatinus, Lucretia's husband, were elected as the first two consuls of Rome. This marked the beginning of the consular system where power was shared annually between two elected officials, preventing the concentration of power that had led to tyranny.
Brutus met his end in a battle against the forces of Tarquin the Proud at the Battle of Silva Arsia in 508 BC. According to legend, Brutus and Aruns, Tarquin's son, threw their spears simultaneously, each killing the other.
Brutus's legacy is profound:
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