Titus Larcius facts for kids

Titus Larcius was an important Roman leader and general who lived a long time ago, around 501 to 493 BC. He was a key figure in the early days of the Roman Republic, which was a time when Rome was governed by elected officials instead of kings. Titus Larcius served as a top official called a consul two times. He also became the very first Roman dictator, a special leader with great power during emergencies.

Who Was Titus Larcius?

Titus Larcius came from an important family in ancient Rome called the Larcii. This family had roots in the Etruscan people, who lived in Italy before the Romans became powerful.

Titus had a famous brother named Spurius Larcius. Spurius was known as a hero because he helped defend a wooden bridge over the Tiber River from invaders. He stood bravely with other heroes like Horatius Cocles. Spurius also served as a consul twice, just like Titus.

Titus Larcius's Time as Consul

Titus Larcius first became a consul in 501 BC. This was only nine years after the Roman Republic was formed. His partner as consul was Postumus Cominius Auruncus.

During their time in office, there was some trouble in Rome. People were worried about a possible war with the Sabines, a nearby group. Even more, they feared a big war with the Latins. The Latins were led by Octavius Mamilius, who wanted to bring back the last king of Rome, Lucius Tarquinius Superbus.

The First Roman Dictator

Because of these dangers, the Roman leaders decided they needed a very strong leader. They created a new position called the dictator. A dictator would have complete power to protect the city, but only for six months. The people could not argue with the dictator's decisions.

The Roman Senate, which was like a council of elders, told the consuls to choose a dictator. Cominius chose his fellow consul, Titus Larcius, to be the first-ever Roman dictator! Titus then chose Spurius Cassius Vecellinus to be his main helper, known as the magister equitum (master of the horse).

The Sabines were worried when they heard Rome had a dictator. They sent people to Rome to try and stop a war. The talks didn't work, and war was declared. However, neither side really wanted to fight, so no big battles happened.

While he was dictator, Titus Larcius also counted the Roman people in a census. He talked with different Latin towns to try and make them allies. He also oversaw the elections for the next consuls. Titus then did something important: he gave up his power before his six months were over. This set an example for future dictators.

Second Consulship and Other Roles

Titus Larcius became consul again in 498 BC, this time with Quintus Cloelius Siculus. During this year, the long-expected war with the Latins finally began. Another Roman leader, Aulus Postumius Albus Regillensis, led the Romans to victory at the Battle of Lake Regillus. Meanwhile, Consul Larcius captured a town called Fidenae.

After his time as consul, some say Titus Larcius helped build the temple of Saturn in Rome.

In 494 BC, Titus Larcius tried to help the common people, called the plebs, who were struggling with debt. When the plebs became so unhappy that they left the city and camped on a hill called Monte Sacro, Titus Larcius was one of the leaders sent by the Senate to talk with them. These talks were successful! They led to the creation of the tribunes of the people, who were special officials elected to protect the rights of the common people.

In 493 BC, Titus Larcius also served as a legate (a military officer) under his old colleague Cominius. They were at the siege of Corioli, where a famous Roman general named Gaius Marcius Coriolanus showed great bravery.

Titus Larcius in Stories

Titus Larcius appears as a Roman general in William Shakespeare's famous play, Coriolanus. Shakespeare's play is based on old stories about Coriolanus's life.

See also

In Spanish: Tito Larcio para niños