2 – Battle of Lake Regillus (499/496? BC)
This battle marked Tarquin’s final attempt to reclaim his kingdom. Although his age is unknown, Tarquin was unquestionably an old man at this stage since he became king in 535 BC. With the overthrow of the monarchy, the cities of the Latin League were able to escape Roman control; although it is doubtful that they were ever under Rome’s thumb. Livy is the main source of the Battle of Lake Regillus and admits that he is unsure of the date; it could have taken place anywhere from 499 BC to 496 BC.
Details are unclear, but it seems as if Aulus Postumius Albus was named dictator to deal with the threat of invasion by Latium. Livy claims that the Volsci tribe wanted to send troops to help Latium but Albus forced a battle so quickly that they didn’t arrive in time. Tarquin led his army along with his oldest son Titus and Octavius Mamillus, the dictator of Tusculum. Livy suggested that Tarquin’s presence caused the Romans to fight more fiercely than in any battle up to that point.
Tarquin was injured early in the battle as he tried to attack Albus, but initially, his army took control of the battle. The Romans lost one of its most important leaders, Marcus Valerius Volusus when he was killed with a spear when attacking Titus. However, Albus used troops from his bodyguard to turn the tide. One of the Roman generals killed Mamillus but was killed soon afterward. The battle remained in the balance until Albus ordered his horsemen to dismount and fight on foot. They overwhelmed the Latins, captured their camp and forced them to flee.
Albus returned to Rome and celebrated a triumph. Meanwhile, Tarquin and his son realized that they had no hope of ever regaining their crown. The former king went to the court of King Aristodemus and died in Cumae in 495 BC. Rome retained its independence and remained a republic for over 450 years.