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

"At the battle of Waterloo Wellington precipitated the conflict, because he knew Napoleon's army was divided", "The Romans were wont to precipitate criminals from the Tarpeian rock."

From Literature

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.

From Literature

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.

From The Guardian

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.

From Forbes

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.

From Project Gutenberg