Rise of the Roman Republic
Rome began as a small city in central Italy. Within 500 years, it controlled the Mediterranean world.
From Kingdom to Republic (509 BCE)
Romans expelled their last king, Tarquinius Superbus, and established a republic. They swore never again to be ruled by one man.
The Republic's motto: SPQR — Senatus Populusque Romanus (The Senate and People of Rome).
Republican Government
Consuls: Two executives, elected annually, could veto each other.
Senate: 300 patricians (nobles) who advised consuls and controlled finances.
Assemblies: Citizens voted on laws and elected officials.
Tribunes: Represented plebeians (commoners), could veto any action.
The system balanced power to prevent tyranny.
Expansion in Italy
- Military superiority
- Road building (connected territories)
- Generous treatment of defeated peoples (many became citizens)
By 270 BCE, Rome controlled all of Italy.
The Punic Wars (264-146 BCE)
Rome's epic struggle against Carthage, North Africa's trading empire.
First Punic War: Rome won Sicily, became naval power.
Second Punic War: Hannibal invaded Italy with elephants. After 16 years, Rome won.
Third Punic War: Rome destroyed Carthage completely (146 BCE).
Mediterranean Dominance
- Spain
- North Africa
- Greece
- Much of the Middle East
But success created problems: wealth inequality, ambitious generals, and political corruption that would eventually destroy the Republic itself.
Related Reading
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