The Final Years of the Roman Republic

Overview

• Examination of the causes and consequences of the civil wars during the late Roman Republic
• Distinction between the Roman Republic and the Roman Empire
• Upcoming focus on the emergence of a new political constitution post-republic

Late Second Century BCE Problems

• Land crisis: Enlargement of estates by wealthy landowners, small-scale farmers impoverished
• Decline in eligible men for the Roman army
• Corruption: Senators exploiting governor positions for personal enrichment
• Senate’s unwillingness to act

Rise of the Populares (Populist Leaders)

• Aimed to bypass the Senate, solve problems via popular assemblies
• Tiberius and Gaius Gracchus (Gracchi Brothers)
  • Elected tribunes, implemented land reforms
  • Tiberius: Laws taking land from large estates for the poor
  • Gaius: Continued land reforms, cheap grain sales
• Resulted in their assassination by mobs incited by the Senate

Conflict with the Optimates (The Best Men)

• Defended traditional Senate power
• Accused Populares of exploiting the masses for personal power
• Led to factionalism and violence, initiating civil wars

Military and Political Chaos

• Marius vs. Sulla
  • Marius (Populares): Recruited urban poor for his army, promised land
  • Sulla (Optimates): Seized Rome by force, declared himself dictator, reign of terror against opponents
• Sulla's temporary restoration of senatorial power and subsequent retirement

Rise of Julius Caesar

• Member of the Populares, commanded successful military campaigns
• Conquest of Gaul: Gained wealth, prestige, and supporters including some Gauls
• Defied Senate orders, marched into Italy, and took control of Rome
• Declared himself dictator for life in 44 BCE
• Implemented reforms: Calendar reformation (Julian calendar), administrative oversight, land reforms, extended citizenship

Assassination and Aftermath

• Assassinated by Optimates in 44 BCE to prevent tyranny and defend the republic
• Led to further civil war, ending the Roman Republic

Reflection and Future Scope

• Damage done to both Populares and Optimates factions
• Introduction of Octavian, who will re-establish stability and lay the foundation for the Roman Empire, to be discussed in the next lecture