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

One, whose fate he wished particularly to signalize, was thrown down from the Tarpeian Rock.

From Project Gutenberg

We use the title Tarpeian Rock as applied to the place of execution and not to the whole hill.

From Project Gutenberg

No more success: mere sham-success, for a day and days; rising ever higher,—towards its Tarpeian Rock.

From Project Gutenberg

As you know, madam, the Tarpeian Rock is close to the Capitol.

From Project Gutenberg

Ludovico suggested our going to the Tarpeian Rock, which is part of this precipitous hill, if we were not too tired.

From Project Gutenberg