Porsena, Lars

views updated May 11 2018

Porsena, Lars (6th century bc), a legendary Etruscan chieftain, king of the town of Clusium. Summoned by Tarquinius Superbus after the latter's overthrow and exile from Rome, Porsena subsequently laid siege to the city, but did not succeed in capturing it; during this period the exploits of Scaevola and Horatius took place.