Rome, city, Italy: The Roman Republic
The Roman Republic
The Romans overthrew their foreign rulers c.500
As the majority realized its power and the aristocracy continued its rule, the people demanded (and received) privilege after privilege; the greatest were the election of plebeian tribunes (see tribune) and the codification (c.450
Although the Roman republic was never a true democracy, historians have modified the traditional view that it was the tool of a powerful aristocracy and have acknowledged that the system had open aspects beyond the control of the ruling class. It remains true, however, that it was under senatorial administration that Rome began its march to world supremacy and that in the end the senate was crushed under the weight of the huge problems of empire.
Sections in this article:
- Introduction
- Napoleon to the Present
- Rome during the Renaissance
- Renaissance and Modern Rome
- Medieval Rome
- The Empire Declines
- Augustus and the Pax Romana
- Julius Caesar
- Effects of Expansion
- Conquests Overseas and to the East
- The Subduing of Italy
- The Roman Republic
- Rome before Augustus
- Landmarks and Institutions
- Economy
- The Modern City
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