The era of the Roman Republic began in 509 B.C.E. after the last ruler of Rome, the Etruscan king, was overthrown. The income government became a republic that was ruled through representative democracy. The patricians were the wealthiest family and the only ones who could govern religious and political offices. Others, known as plebeians, could not hold office but struggled to gain office over the next 200 years.
The Senate was the governing body of the Roman Republic. After the plebeians fought for a voice in the government, legislative bodies were created to plan war, elect magistrates, and handle foreign relations. As the territory and power of Rome grew, families and citizens began to struggle for power, and internal conflicts started. Senators voted to pass laws that would allow them to remain in power. Patricians held most of the government positions and were in favor of slicing up the huge estates. The Senators collaborated with the plebeians to overthrow the patricians.
Julius Caesar was a prominent general who gained power during the civil war in 59 B.C.E. Before that, the roman republic had 300 years of peace. However, after the first political murder of Tiberius Gracchus, a revolution started. Political factions began killing their enemies and stealing their land. Non-violent radical dysfunctions also emerged. For instance, some senators unnecessarily delayed the passing of legislation they did not favor for years.
Augustus’ need to build an empire also resulted in its downfall. He expanded the territory into Europe and took North African colonies. However, maintaining the vast empire became too dangerous and expensive for the political administration and the treasury. Attempted internal reforms resulted in a revolution between the western and eastern halves guaranteeing a total collapse of the republic in 27 B.C.E. Sallust was a Roman historian who existed during Caesar’s reign. He believed that righteousness, justice, and close unity were the virtues that made Rome great. However, the state’s corrupt morals, selfishness, extravagance, and destructive vices ruined it.
Finally, the Roman Republic would have stood for many centuries if not for the internal government conflicts destabilizing it. The political norms Rome had created were against land theft, political violence, and capital punishment. In addition, the Roman Republic found a way to keep working even after running into a problem. However, the civil wars that began between varying loyalties and groups brought about the end of the republic.