Founding and Rise of the Roman Republic

Founding and Rise of the Roman Republic

• Rome founded in 753 BCE in Italy.
• Factors contributing to the rise of the Roman Republic included: volunteer army, effective organization, lawmaking, military strength, engineering skills, and representative government.
• In 509 BCE, Romans expelled the last king, Tarquin, marking the start of the Republic and a long-standing dislike of monarchy.
• The concept of a republic, with its emphasis on civic virtue and representative government, began to take hold.

Class Conflict and Early Republic Institutions

• In 450 BCE, significant class conflict arose, culminating in the plebeian revolt.
• Twelve Tables were created as a response to the revolt, outlining the laws and rights of different social classes. This highlighted the divisions between patricians and plebeians.
• The Senate, predominantly composed of patricians, held lawmaking power.
• The Tribune, a single person, possessed veto power representing plebeians.
• The Tribal Assembly represented the common people.

The Punic Wars and Turning Point

• The Punic Wars (246-146 BCE) were a major turning point in the Republic.
• Key figures involved included Hannibal (Carthaginian general, enemy of Rome) and Scipio Africanus (Roman general who defeated Hannibal).
• Cato the Elder advocated for the destruction of Carthage.
• In 146 BCE, Rome emerged victorious and began its empire-building endeavors.

Decline of the Roman Republic

• Factors contributing to the decline of the Republic included:
  • Increased power of generals, shifting loyalty from the state to individual military leaders.
  • The wealth and slaves acquired through success concentrated into a small elite, creating social inequality.
  • The rise of latifundia (large estates) that displaced small farmers and contributed to unemployment.
• Political violence intensified:
  • Assassination of Tiberius and Gaius Gracchus in 120 BCE for proposing land reforms and grain distribution to the poor. This highlighted political conflict and violence.
  • In 110 BCE, Marius established a standing army composed of poor citizens, breaking tradition and serving as consul multiple times.

Rise of the Triumvirate and Civil War

• In 60 BCE, the First Triumvirate formed, comprising Pompey (skilled general), Crassus (wealthy), and Caesar (talented general).
• Caesar's conquests in Gaul significantly expanded Rome's territory.
• In 49 BCE, Caesar crossed the Rubicon River triggering a civil war.
• Caesar was assassinated in 44 BCE.

The Roman Empire

• Following 15 years of conflict, Octavian and Antony emerged victorious.
• Octavian became the first Roman Emperor, marking the beginning of the Roman Empire and a period of peace.