Tarpeia

views updated Jun 08 2018

Tarpeia in Roman mythology, one of the Vestal Virgins, the daughter of a commander of the Capitol in ancient Rome. According to legend she betrayed the citadel to the Sabines in return for whatever they wore on their arms, hoping to receive their golden bracelets; however, the Sabines killed her by throwing their shields on to her.
Tarpeian Rock a cliff in ancient Rome, at the south-western corner of the Capitoline Hill, named for Tarpeia, over which murderers and traitors were hurled.