The Revolution
With Lucius Tarquinius Collatinus, Spurius Lucretius Tricipitinus and Valerius, Lucius Junius Brutus led the Roman revolution of 509 BC, ending the Roman monarchy and banishing the tyrannical King of Rome, Lucius Tarquinius Superbus. The Romans instituted the office of Consul, founding the Roman Republic. Brutus and Collatinus were voted as the first Consuls.
The Tarquins plotted with some disaffected Roman members of the Aquillii and Vitellii, who had benefitted from the deposed regime to assassinate both consuls. Publicola was informed of the plot by the slave Vindicius. Publicola investigated personally, sneaking into the Aquillius estate and finding incriminatory evidence. Using this evidence, both consuls headed a public trial. The conspirators, including Brutus' own children, were found guilty and executed. During the trial, Publicola had a leading role.
Read more about this topic: Publius Valerius Publicola
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