Brutus, Lucius Junius (sixth century B.C.), the founder of the Roman republic. According to legend, he was called Brutus (stupid) after he pretended stupidity to save himself from death at the hands of Tarquinius Superbus, king of Rome. Brutus led a revolt after one of the king's sons raped Lucretia, wife of a prominent Roman. Brutus was elected first consul of Rome in 509 B.C., but later that year he was killed in battle by one of the deposed king's sons.