Lecture Notes on the Degeneration and End of the Roman Republic

Introduction

• Overview of the Roman Republic's expansion to an empire.
• Questions to consider:
  • Why did the Roman Republic end?
  • Are republicanism and empire compatible?
  • How much do values matter in maintaining a political system?
  • When do you know a system is broken?

Economic and Social Changes

• Territorial expansion and economic changes.
  • Campaigns lengthen, disrupting economic life.
  • Small farmers lose land due to cheap grain import from Sicily and influx of slave labor.
• Disenfranchisement of small landowners leading to social upheaval.
• Wealth accumulation by patricians from buying up land.
• Rise of new social classes (Equites) and changing values.

Decline of Republican Values

• Rise of corruption and self-serving individuals.
• Cicero's concept of "Humanitas."
• Economic self-interest of governors plundering provinces.

Political Instability and Strongmen

• Rise of client armies.
• Example of Gaius Marcus building loyal personal armies.
• Sulla's dictatorship and social wars.
  • Sulla's use of proscription lists to eliminate enemies.

Key Figures and Events

Gracchi Brothers

• Tiberius and Gaius Gracchus' land reforms.
  • Attempted to redistribute land to disenfranchised citizens.
  • Both assassinated leading to increased political turmoil.

Julius Caesar and the First Triumvirate

• Triumvirate of Pompey, Crassus, and Caesar.
• Caesar's campaign in Gaul and his return across the Rubicon.
  • "Alea iacta est" - The die is cast.
• Assassination of Caesar on the Ides of March.

Transition to Empire

• Emergence of the Second Triumvirate.
  • Mark Antony, Octavian, and Lepidus.
  • Conflict with Cleopatra's involvement.
• Battle of Actium and Octavian's rise.
• Establishment of Roman Empire under Augustus.

Contemporary Reflections

• Discussion on military's role in politics, drawing parallels with modern military ethics.
• Importance of military serving the government as a whole, not factions.

Conclusion

• Reflection on the lessons from the fall of the Roman Republic.
• Transition from a functioning republic to an empire.

These notes provide a comprehensive overview of the factors leading to the decline of the Roman Republic and its transition into the Roman Empire, noting key events, figures, and socio-political changes.