The Day Dawns on the New Roman Republic
Rome, the name leaves an image of a Mediterranean lake. A spectacle of an empire the spread from the British Isle all the way to Mesopotamia. However, all good stories, start at the beginning. And so, before the Empire, before even the Roman Republic we must start at the small city-state.
In the Roman city-state we find the Romans oppressed and saddled with poor leadership. The Kings of the time had proved to be ineffective at best. The wheels of change were set into motion. In doing so, establishing deep roots, a wide foundation for the destiny of Rome.
The founding of the Roman Republic is a key stone moment in human history. It birthed a new form of government, a step above the greeks and their democracy. This one moment, shapes the future of the world to come. Some common places we feel the Roman Republic are in the establishment of most modern western governments. America was very keen on the ideas of a republic as it set its founding documents. In fact, most major conflict in Europe draw their inspirations from Rome. Started by men trying to recreate or reestablish the greatness of Rome in their own image.
The Republic brought forth a new era of self governance. A system of checks and balances between competing institutions. This ensured that each institution and office had a role in maintaining the other. By doing this, broader participation was possible. Citizens could have a say in their government.
This buy in from the masses had impacts across society. In part, the Roman Army becomes a dominant force on the peninsula and eventually the region. The Republic was a driver in Rome’s early conquests and dominance over the Mediterranean.
We will be diving into the fall of the king and the rise of the republic. Including, looking at structures and institutions, I know that is not the most exciting topic. But in order to have a full understanding of Rome and Roman history we must understand what made them successful. The Roman Republic is the cornerstone in Roman history.
Overthrowing A King
In the beginning, the king reigned supreme. Romulus, the first King of Rome, established a city at the crest of seven hills. The myth around Romulus are impressive, his legacy however, is that of the birth of Rome. His reign saw order and stability in a small city.
The early kings, like Romulus and Numa Pompilius established institutions for governance. They were responsible for creating the Roman identity, and the city flourished. As time crept along, the kings became worse and worse. Ending with the tyrant Tarquin the Proud.
Tarquin the Proud was arrogant, cruel, and lived above the law. His rule, and the end of the king would come swiftly. When his son, Sextus Tarquinius committed a horrible crime against a noblewoman named Lucretia the city revolted. Romans took to the streets, demanding actions be taken against Sextus. With no adequate response from Tarquin, the people rioted. Deposing their tyrant king and leaving a void.
The demand for self governance and rule of law drove the revolts. Liberty and equality unified them against Tarquin and would be a driving theme in the Roman Revolution. With the fall of the king, Rome was poised for a new mode of governance.
However, Tarquin was not alone in the causes for revolution. Other major factors included a patrician class who wanted more political power. Additionally, the masses, plebeians, demanded a voice in their government. All of these factors accounted for the shift to a more inclusive form of government.
The end of Tarquin the Proud is the turning point in Roman History. It allowed for the birth of the Roman Republic. Out of the ashes of the old world rose a new stronger Rome. A Rome that could bend the Mediterranean to its will.
Rise of the Republic
A new era was dawning on the world, especially in Europe. The rise of a new representative form of government threatened the old world. The people of Rome had awakened to their power and created a government that represented them. This government is arguably the most effective to ever take form. Many modern nations bare resemblance to the Roman Republic.
The key leader in this revolution is Lucius Junius Brutus, a key figure in the removal of Tarquin the Proud. Lucius was smart, brave, and had a pure soul. This was exactly with Rome needed to be saved from their tyrant. Lucius rallied the Romans, selling a vision of freedom and liberty. This proved to be overwhelming for Tarquin.
After Lucius Junius Brutus removed the monarchy, the Romans had to establish a new government. At the cornerstone they created institutions and principles to guide their new society. The institutions were simple, the Senate and the consuls. The Senate was the central governing body made from the elders of Roman society. They were responsible for shaping the direction of the Roman Republic.
The consuls, on the other hand, we elected yearly and served ad executives. The consuls were typically chose from among the patrician class and represented the will of the people. Both the Senate and the consuls were played against each other so that one would not grow to strong.
After the formation of government, the new republic set out on making their code of laws. Chief among them was the rule of law, the idea no Roman was above the law, regardless of position or status. Included in this was the assurance the laws were enforced equally where possible.
The last stroke to mark the foundation of the Roman Republic was a new concept of the citizen. Citizenship in Rome granted privileges that were not granted to non-romans. Bound in this was a sense of civic duty, the duty to contribute to the welfare and defense of the Republic.
The Republic became a huge split from the traditional rule of a monarchy. Power was distributed across the people with only competition and principles holding it together. The Senate and consulship structure lasted centuries and is emulated today. The Republic has stood as a symbol of law, order, and democracy since its foundations.
Governing the Roman Republic
With in the Republic, the Senate and consulship provided the structure for success in Italy. The Senate was designed to represent the people and protect their rights and freedom. The people appointed their Senators, they were members of the patrician class. They were looked to for their wisdom and experience as that would make them better leaders. The Senates role was to serve as advisors to the magistrates.
The Senate held authority over changing the laws, foreign policy and general governance. Using their unique perspectives on each issue allowed for a thoughtful debate on each topic. Their expertise proved invaluable to the consuls and magistrates as they administered the laws.
While decisions made by the Senate we not binding, their ability to control the people gave it authority. All magistrates took guidance from the Senate. If the magistrates could get support from the Senate their actions were widely supported. However, they left them open to the scrutiny of the Senate as well.
In times of crisis, the Senate could appoint a dictator with temporary authority. This was used to ensure Rome could take swift action and respond properly. This would turn out to be the Senates undoing in the end.
The system was designed to prevent one person from accumulating to much power for to long. This is why consuls, who was the executor in the Roman Republic, had to be elected annually. This annual election ensured that consuls wouldn’t get to much power. This balance protected the rule of law.
The government must be made to balance its power. Two branches, each with its own ambitions, must be enemies. For the competition for power keeps each other branch in check. This is an imperfect system and the Republic would face challenges and revolt. Yet, the Senate became a symbol of republican ideals for generations to come.
The Consuls and Magistrates of the Roman Republic
The Republic had a system of administrators who acted as governors over Rome. These magistrates fell under the Consuls who were the highest executive authority in the land. Because of their ability to acquire power, they had to be elected annually.
The consuls oversaw the administration of the Republic. They presided over the Senate, proposed legislation, and were commanders-in-chief. As such they shaped the path of Rome.
Yet again, their power was not absolute. Along with the ability to be removed annual. The consuls had the power to veto the action of the other. This was yet another check on power in the Roman Republic. This ability ensured the two consuls would work well together and maintained stability.
Along with the two consuls were the magistrates, these included praetors, quaestors, and aediles. Praetors were responsible for executing the law and the governance of Rome, should the consuls be absent. Quaestors managed the financial wellbeing of the Republic. Aediles oversaw public works and festivals.
Magistrates were subject to term limits to prevent them from gaining to much power. As mentioned, the consuls served for one year, and could only serve once every ten years. This ensured fresh leadership and prevented power from centering around one person or office.
Additionally, the Senate could hold all magistrates accountable. The Senate could over turn their actions should they deem it to be against the will of the Republic.
While the magistrates held significant power, they were always left in balance with the Senate. They also balanced themselves with veto ability and a term limit to ensure power remained with the people. This system is the foundation for most western government as a way to protect peoples freedoms.
The People’s Assemblies
There many assemblies in the Republic. Two of the best known were the Comitia Centuriata and the Comitia Tributa. The Centuriata represented the military and the Tributa represented geographic reagions. Specifically, the Centuriata focused on the matters of war and peace, electing consul, and passing laws. On the other hand, the Tributa focused on economic matters and electing local officials.
These committees were not designed to give equal voice. In the Centuriata wealthier citizens had more voting power. This came from their ability to occupy more centuries. This make up reflected the make up of Roman society.
The way these assemblies worked followed a specific procoess. A proposal, or rogatio, would be brought before the body and debated. The magistrate would explain the rogatio and allow members of the assembly to express their views. After debate, the members would vote. Voting was different for the two committees, the Tributa voted by tribe, each one getting one vote. the Centuriata was done by century. A majority either way decided the action of the rogatio.
These bodies were the heart of the Republic. Shaping the policies around the country. Although the system was imperfect it allowed for a participation in the government.
The Law and the Twelve Tables
Law was the center of Republic society. Written laws marked a milestone for the Roman legal system. This set of laws, carved in bronze, are The Twelve Tables. They would solidify Roman law and provide the foundations for justice.
Before this time, laws were unwritten and based in common practice. There was ambiguity and inconsistency. We saw this play out during the end of the King. The founder of the Republic understood the need for clarity and equality under the law.
The Twelve Tables contained specific laws addressing all aspects of life. There were ten tablets which made up The Twelve Tables, each with its own topic. These topics included property rights, debt, criminal offenses and more. The tables would be displayed in the Roman Forum to ensure everyone could see them.
The laws being public allowed citizens to read them and share equal access. It had clear guidelines for legal disputes, which enabled something closer to equal treatment under the law. Additionally, it reminded the citizens of the commitment to the rule of law. This legal system impacts many system throughout history.
Roman Republic on the March
The new Republic would need to establish itself in the region if it had any hope of survival. Rome started a number of campaigns set to expand the boarders of the Republic. In doing so the Republic gained access to more resources and more means to expand.
Rome slowly beat all their neighbors, forcing them into submission. Through clever statecraft, and brilliant strategy Rome grew. In doing so, it quickly established itself as the regional power in central Italy.
The Roman Army, pulled from the people of the eternal city, was disciplined and organized. Their ability to react on the battlefield brought with it great military success. Very quickly, Rome would assimilate all neighboring communities into its growing influence.
Rome rose to beat some of its most powerful neighbors. Famously deafeating the Latin League, the Samnites, and the Etruscans to gain control over the Italian peninsula. This expansion brought wealth and resources into the growing Roman state. However, managing a diverse empire over a vast distance created new challenges.
Setbacks
The rise of the Republic was hardly without challenges. Rome faced many setbacks in their struggle for regional dominance. The Republic would be hurt by internal conflicts and political strife. These would test the stability of their new government.
The class struggle in the early republic often led to bitter conflicts. The patricians and the plebeians constantly in conflict for power and control. out of this grew a struggle for equality and representation in the Republic. The plebeians were often excluded from decision making despite being the majority of the population. Additionally, the plebeians faced economic hardships due to the actions of the eliets. Due to these pressures, social unrest was common, with plebeians constantly struggling for more power.
With the expanision of the republic brought new wealth. With this new wealth the distribution broght problems. Many wealthy Romans were granted large estates and displaced smaller farmers. This trickled down to a lower agricultural yield, which made the inequalities worse.
While the expanision of the republic brought new riches, it often brought increased conflict. External threats drained the republic of its resources. These threats required diplomatic offerings, military equipment and more.
Dispite these tricky waters ahead, the republic navigated through it toward prosperity. These issues tested the resilience of their government and new social make up. These challenges would grow as Rome expanded, shaping the eventual transformation into the Roman Empire.
The Legacy of the Roman Republic
The Roman Republic is known throughout the world. If Greek Democracy is the corner stone of Western civilization, the Roman Republic is the keystone. The government and legal system has been imitated and emulated through most western countries. Rule of Law is still the guiding principle for much of Europe and the United States.
The republican model of checks and balances, representation and separation of powers is the template for democratic systems. the idea that power resides with the people has become one of the dominant views for good governance. It is an ideal that has stood the test of time and has been incorporated in every corner of the world.
Additionally, the code of laws the republic operated under has influence modern judicial systems. Equal just under the law is the framework for free and open societies. In doing so, societies are able to ensure their citizens are protected from tyranny.
However, the republic is best known for its enabling of the Roman Empire. The challenges which came from successes opened the Romans up to a new form of single person rule. The Empire would shape much of Europe, the Middle East, and North Africa. Having direct responsibility for many major global events. Specifically, European expedition in the Americas is a byproduct of the Roman Empire’s treatment of the Middle East.
Yet, despite the transformation to an empire the Roman Republic has shaped the course of history. From governance, to legal systems and monuments, the republic can be felt today. The rise and fall of Rome serves as a reminder of the complexities of managing a successful state. These lessons are being taught and retaught every day!
Deeper Reading
- “Rubicon: The Last Years of the Roman Republic” by Tom Holland – This book provides a gripping narrative of the final decades of the Roman Republic, focusing on the key figures and events that led to its downfall. Tom Holland presents a vivid and engaging account of the political and social upheavals that shaped the Republic’s end.
- “SPQR: A History of Ancient Rome” by Mary Beard – Mary Beard, a renowned classicist, delves into the history of ancient Rome from its legendary foundation to the fall of the Republic. The book offers a well-researched and accessible overview of the political, cultural, and social developments during the Republic’s rise and decline.
- “The Storm Before the Storm: The Beginning of the End of the Roman Republic” by Mike Duncan – In this book, Mike Duncan, a popular history podcaster, examines the turbulent period that preceded the fall of the Roman Republic. He explores the lesser-known events and personalities that contributed to its eventual transformation into an empire.
