The Roman Republic

Roman Republic (509 BCE) Resulted from discontent of tyrannical Etruscan monarchy In a republic, citizens elect leaders to run the gov’t SPQR = Senatus Populusque Romanus The Senate and the People of Rome A combination of aristocracy, oligarchy and democracy

New Organization Consuls = leaders chosen to replace Kings Assembly = ordinary citizens who elected the Consuls Senate = rich men who advised the Consuls Although citizens elected their own representatives, the Republic was NOT a democracy… every citizen did not have equal power Divided into 2 classes: patricians and plebeians

Roman Society Patricians Plebeians

Patricians vs Plebians The internal history of the Roman Republic consisted of constant tension and feuds between these two classes Patricians Senatorial aristocracy Landowners From Latin word “patres” (father) Plebeians Landless poor From Latin word “plebs” (common people)

Patricians Wealthiest 10% of Rome’s population Only ones who could run for political office (magistrates) Served as priests, lawyers, judges Granted financial and legal protection to clients Plebeians, newcomers to Rome, ex-slaves, run-aways (from family) Held the Roman imperium (power of law and military command)

Plebeians The other 90% who did the “heavy lifting” in society Till land, herd livestock, craftsmen, tradesmen, labourers No right of appeal against decision of patrician gov’t since no laws were codified or published Relied upon patricians exclusively for expertise/leadership Defended Rome as soldiers

Plebeian “trump card” Could engage in “secession” to get what they wanted Strike and refuse to defend Rome Plebeians went on strike 5 different times

Government in the Roman Republic The Roman Senate Council of most powerful men in Rome Controlled the state budget and foreign affairs Owned most of the land Chosen for life

Magistrates Consul Most powerful magistrates were the two Consuls (or Chief Magistrates of State) Both had the power to veto (Latin for “I forbid”) each other in important decisions Elected by patricians for a 1-year term Extensive legislative, judicial power Usually commanded the army Scipio Africanus the Elder Lucius Junius Brutus Cicero

Plebeian Tribal Council & Tribunes Membership restricted to non-senatorial males Two plebeian tribunes elected and could veto decisions made by the consuls Eventually increased to 10 tribunes Tribunes became powerful interpreters of the peoples’ wishes

Roman Republic Government (p.170) Sketch textbook diagram

Daily Life in the Republic (p.180-185) Beliefs Family Life & Morality Education Role of Women Latin Language & Literature