Roman Republic
The Roman Republic existed during the ancient Roman Civilization.
Struggles between common citizens (Plebeians) and the land holding aristocracy (Patricians) gave rise to a new constitution.
Government was ran as a Republic after the Roman Monarch was overthrown about 508 BC.
Through time, a complex constitution developed based on two principles.
- Separation of powers;
- Checks and balances.
Government was led by two consuls advised by a senate.
Public offices were limited to annual tenures, so no individual could dominate other citizens .
The laws and regulations that granted Patricians special rights to hold the most important offices were either done away or made feeble.
A new aristocracy arose from the Plebeians.
The Republic leaders in both war and harmony initiated strong customs, tradition and ethics that necessitated benefaction and civic service.
Political service and military prowess were closely linked.
The military was thus stronger than that of neighbours.
Expansion
Republic expanded considerably within the first two hundred years of its being.
This occurred through conquest and formation of treaties from central Italy to the Italian isthmus.
The Iberian Peninsula, North Africa, Greece and the current Southern France followed.
Towards end of 1BC, much of the east was included together with all of modern France.
Despite existing laws, the politics of Rome were at the time dominated by a few Roman leaders. This unstable alliance gave rise to a series of civil wars.
Transition: Rise of the Emperor
Civil wars gave rise to a final victor, Octavian, who was later named Augustus.
He reformed the Republic into a Principate, and he became a Princep (first citizen of Rome).
Elections were carried out as before and the senate continued with its work.
However, the Princep became an imperator or first among equals (emperor).
He held monarchic powers for life.
The Republic was neither restored nor abolished.
The pivotal event that marked a transition into the Roman Empire is debatable .
Different historians propose:
- Appointment of Julius Caesar as dictator for life in 44BC.
- The defeat of Mark Anthony during the Battle of Actium in 31BC.
- In 27BC, the Roman Senate accorded Augustus unusual and unexpected powers under the original settlement.
The Roman Empire
The Roman Empire was characterized by a dictatorial government and was composed of huge regional holdings around both Europe and the Mediterranean.
Romans exported their language, culture, laws, currency and political institutions to the conquered people.
This left a mark on western culture that is evident to this day.
Loyalty of governed people was attained through granting of citizenship to the Empire.
Conclusion
At its peak, the Empire covered more than two million square miles stretching from Britain to Asia Minor and from the Rhine River to Egypt.
The transition took a long time and was triggered by civil wars during the Republic.
