Lecture Notes: The Rise and Fall of the Roman Republic

Overview

• The Roman Republic lasted roughly 500 years.
• Transitioned from a small city-state to a dominant power in the Mediterranean.
• Roman ability to learn from other cultures facilitated their expansion.
• Internal conflicts led to the fall of the republican system.

Founding and Early History

• Rome founded in 753 BC, early history is mythologized.
• Initial monarchy: Last king Tarquinius Superbus (deposed in 509 BC).
• Romans became fiercely republican; monarchy became taboo.

Roman Government Structure

• Balance of powers between oligarchical Senate and democratic popular assemblies.
• Two consuls elected annually with legislative and judicial powers.
• Wealth influenced voting power, favoring rich citizens.

Expansion and Conflicts

• Rome began as one of many states in Latium; Etruscan civilization was a major power.
• Rome expanded by edging out Etruscan-run states and overpowering other Latins.
• Etruscan influence on Roman culture, including gladiatorial games.

Conflicts with Greek States

• Pirus of Epirus intervened in Roman expansion but left after heavy losses.
• Rome became involved in Sicily, leading to the First Punic War against Carthage.

The Punic Wars

• Rome developed a navy to fight Carthage.
• First Punic War: Rome captured Sicily, Sardinia, and Corsica.
• Second Punic War: Hannibal's invasion of Italy, Battle of Cannae, and Roman counter-attacks.
• Scipio's victory at the Battle of Zama broke Carthaginian power.

Influence and Cultural Exchange

• Rome absorbed Greek culture, impacting literature, art, religion, and philosophy.

Internal Conflicts

• Economic challenges due to foreign grain and slave labor.
• Emergence of Populares (reformers) vs. Optimates (conservatives).
• Gracchi brothers: land reforms led to violence and political unrest.

Rise of Military Leaders

• Gaius Marius: abolished property requirements for army, increasing generals' power.
• Civil wars between Marius and Sulla; Sulla became dictator, attempted reforms.
• Rise of Pompey and Julius Caesar; formation of First Triumvirate with Crassus.

Julius Caesar's Dictatorship

• Caesar's conquests in Gaul; breakdown of alliance with Pompey.
• Caesar declared public enemy; crossed the Rubicon, leading to civil war.
• Caesar became dictator for life, assassinated in 44 BC.

Transition to Empire

• After Caesar's assassination, power struggle between Marc Antony and Octavian.
• Formation of Second Triumvirate; Antony's alliance with Cleopatra.
• Octavian's victory over Antony at the Battle of Actium.
• Octavian (Augustus) became first emperor, ended Republic.

Conclusion

• The Republic failed to support its impoverished citizens.
• Demagogues rose to power, leading to the establishment of the Roman Empire.