Tarpeian Rock

[tahr-pee-uhn]

noun

1. a rock on the Capitoline Hill in Rome, from which criminals and traitors were hurled.

Tarpeian Rock

/ tɑːˈpiːən /

noun

1. (in ancient Rome) a cliff on the Capitoline hill from which traitors were hurled

Word History and Origins

Origin of Tarpeian Rock¹

1600–10; < Latin ( mōns ) Tarpēi ( us ) Tarpeian (hill) + -an

Example Sentences

As they led their guests to the rude building which served as palace they pointed out the sights: the great Tarpeian rock; near it a hill sacred to Jove, now rough with brambles, where some day the golden, glittering Capitol would rise; a meadow filled with lowing cattle, which would be the gathering place of the world, the Roman Forum.

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Someone looking for bad omens might have found one in the name of the hill where it’s built, Roca Tarpeya; the Tarpeian Rock was an execution ground in ancient Rome.

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But before you throw them from the fabled Tarpeian Rock, take a step back and assess some of the systematic, social business strategies outlined below.

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Almost opposite the convent is the Via del Monte Tarpeio, a narrow alley, leading up to the foot of the Tarpeian rock, beneath the Palazzo Caffarelli, and one of the points at which the rock is best seen.

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Here we shall find ourselves upon the highest part of "The Tarpeian rock, the citadel Of great and glorious Rome, queen of the earth, So far renown'd, and with the spoils enriched Of nations."

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