Lecture Notes: The Roman Republic and Empire

Introduction

• Speaker: Steph Gergis (Mrs. Gergis)
• Main Idea: Understanding ancient Rome to better comprehend modern democratic systems.
• Fun Fact: Rome has over 2,500 safe drinking fountains, thanks to Roman aqueducts.

Key Concepts About Rome

• Cultural References:
  • Movie: Gladiator (2000)
  • Landmarks: Colosseum, Vatican City, St. Peter's Basilica (home to Michelangelo's Sistine Chapel painting)

The Roman Republic

• Definition: A republic is a government where representatives represent the people, replacing monarchy.
• Government Structure:
  • Consuls:
    • There were two consuls; akin to modern-day presidents or prime ministers.
    • Responsible for military leadership.
  • Senate:
    • Consisted of about 300 senators, appointed by consuls (not elected).
    • Represented the wealthy patrician class (5% of the population).

Social Classes

• Patricians:
  • The ruling class or nobility; born into this class.
• Plebeians:
  • The working class (95% of the population): farmers, bakers, craftsmen, etc.
  • Initially lacked representation in government leading to dissatisfaction.

Emergence of Democratic Elements

• Assemblies:
  • Legislative bodies where citizens could vote on proposals.
  • Allowed both patricians and plebeians to participate.
  • Senate could veto decisions made here.
• Tribunes:
  • Representatives chosen from the plebeian class.
  • Could veto Senate decisions detrimental to the poor.

Codification of Laws

• 12 Tables:
  • Laws written down and displayed in public for transparency (similar to the Code of Hammurabi).

Relevance to Modern Democracy

• Influence on U.S. Government:
  • The American representative democracy has roots in Roman and Greek ideas.
  • Ideas refined during the Renaissance and Enlightenment.
• Discussion Point: Should we adhere strictly to the Constitution as written in 1787?

Transition to Empire

• Julius Caesar:
  • Gained excessive power, declared himself dictator for life.
  • Assassinated on the Ides of March (March 15, 44 BCE).
  • Divided public opinion: some saw him as a hero, others as a tyrant.
• Aftermath:
  • Civil war ensued; Caesar's nephew Octavian (later Caesar Augustus) emerged victorious.
  • Transition from a republic to an empire.

Notable Emperors

• Caesar Augustus (Octavian):
  • First emperor of Rome.
• Tiberius:
  • Ruled during the life of Jesus.
• Nero:
  • Infamous for brutality; legend claims he fiddled while Rome burned.
• Diocletian:
  • Divided the empire for better governance.
• Constantine:
  • Converted to Christianity, issued Edict of Milan (freedom of religion), moved capital to Byzantium, renaming it Constantinople (modern-day Istanbul).

Conclusion

• Legacy of Rome:
  • Classical Rome has enduring influence; despite its fall, its ideas and structures persist.
• Call to Action:
  • Continue learning about history to understand modern society.

• End of Lecture:
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