Lucretia (sometime transliterated as Lucrece, Lucrecia, or Lucrezia depending on the language) is a legendary figure in ancient Roman history and mythology, known for her tragic story that played a significant role in the overthrow of the Roman monarchy and the establishment of The Roman Republic.
Lucretia was a noblewoman and the wife of Collatinus, a Roman aristocrat. She was known for her virtue, modesty, and beauty, and her reputation for chastity was highly regarded.
Lucretia was infamously raped by Sextus Tarquinius, the son of Lucius Tarquinius Superbus, the seventh and final king of Rome. After the assault, Lucretia's sense of honor and shame led her to reveal the crime to her husband and father, and she made them promise to avenge her and she tragically killed herself out of shame.
The revelation of Lucretia's rape stirred outrage and sparked a popular revolt against the oppressive rule of the Tarquin kings. Her tragic fate served as a catalyst for the Roman people to rise up against the monarchy and seek its abolition.
The revolt led to the expulsion of Lucius Tarquinius Superbus and the establishment of the Roman Republic in 509 BC. The Roman nobles and citizens, inspired by Lucretia's story, vowed to never again submit to the rule of a tyrant.
Lucretia's story became a symbol of Roman virtue, honor, and the importance of maintaining personal integrity. Her tragedy was seen as a crucial moment in Roman history that contributed to the founding principles of the republic.
Not to be confused with Lucrezia Borgia.
Works about or featuring Lucretia include:
Art:
- She's been an artistic subject for a long time, including works by Titian, Rembrandt, Dürer, Raphael, Botticelli, Jörg Breu the Elder, Johannes Moreelse, Artemisia Gentileschi, Damià Campeny, Eduardo Rosales and Lucas Cranach the Elder.
Literature:
- The Rape of Lucrece (1594), a narrative poem by William Shakespeare.
Theatre:
- The Rape of Lucretia, a 1946 opera in two acts with music by Benjamin Britten and a libretto by Ronald Duncan.
