Was Superbus a tyrant or not?

• Yes:

  • He executed senators whom he suspected of plotting against him
  • he didn't consult the new Senate and made no new appointments to replace the senators he killed
  • He ignored the census and forced the Plebians to work when they weren't in the army
  • refused to bury Servius Tullius properly; he banned any religious ceremonies that would enable people to plot against him
  • He sometimes executed, exiled people or confiscated their property just to get their money
• No:

  • Ensured all citizens were employed
  • Arranged to marry his daughter to Octavius Mamilius, which improved the relations with the Latins
  • He made peace with the Aequians and renewed the peace treaty with the Etruscans
  • Circus Maximus; Cloaca Maxima; a canal; Temple of Jupiter on the Capitoline
  • Very successful general; defeated the Vosci and created 2 new Roman Colonies