TARPEIA

                After the Romans kidnaped the Sabine women, the Sabine men laid siege to Rome.  The siege lasted for weeks and the Sabine men were concerned for the welfare of their women.  They allowed the Romans to send a woman each day to the Tiber to bring back water.  This woman was Tarpeia, the daughter of the Roman commander.  One of the Sabine men noticed that whenever she went, she would stare at them.  One day, he asked her why and she admitted she was admiring those things they wore on their arms.  She meant their gold bracelets.  The man told her that the next day if she left the entrance to the city unlocked, they would give her those things they wore on their arms.  Next day, Tarpeia left the door unlocked and the Sabine army charged into the city.  There was Tarpeia with her hands up expecting those things they wore on their arms.  They gave her her reward by tossing her those things they wore on their arms – their shields!  She was killed by the avalanche of shields.  Despite the surprise attack, Rome did not fall and the Sabines went home.  Tarpeia’s body was thrown from a cliff which became known as the Tarpeian Rock.  From then on, any other traitors to Rome were thrown from the Tarpeian Rock.