American Pol. Thought Midterm: Rome and the Classical/Republican Tradition

Polybius: Rome as a model of stability and success

Rome's rise to its mixed system of government

Roman constitution balances 3 types of govt

3 types: Monarchy, aristocracy, democracy

This combines their strengths while mitigating their weaknesses

Theory of Anacyclosis: political systems evolve in a predictable cycle

Monarchy → becomes tyranny.

Aristocracy → degenerates into oligarchy

Democracy → collapses into mob rule (ochlocracy)

Political cycle repeats as...

regimes rise and fall due to internal decay and corruption

No single system can prevent decay because

each form of government inherently contains seeds of its own destruction

Rome & the Theory of Anacyclosis

By combining elements of monarchy, aristocracy, and democracy, Rome prevents any single form of government from dominating or degenerating

Rome's Constitution at it's prime: Consuls (Monarchical)

- Commanded the military and executed laws

- Acted as supreme leaders during wartime

- Managed public finances for military operations

- Balanced by dependence on Senate and popular support

Rome's Constitution at it's prime: Senate (aristocratic)

- Controlled finances, foreign policy, and administration of the provinces

- Advised consuls and magistrates

- Represented the wisdom and experience of Rome's elite

Rome's constitution at it's prime: Popular assemblies (democratic)

- Elected magistrates and passed laws

- Acted as a check on the Senate and consuls through the tribunes

- Represented the voice of the Roman people

Checks and balances in Roman govt

No single branch could dominate because power was distributed

Examples of checks and balances in Roman govt.

Consuls depended on the Senate for resources and advice

The Senate's decisions could be vetoed by the tribunes, representing the people

The assemblies could pass laws and elect magistrates, influencing the other branches

Polybius, Strengths of Constitution: Unity & Stability

By balancing competing interests, the system avoided rapid decay seen in pure forms of government

Polybius, Strengths of Constitution: Adaptability

Adjustments based on practical needs, particularly in times of crisis

Polybius, Strengths of Constitution: Incorporation of Conquered Peoples

Citizenship and alliances fostered loyalty and integration, reinforcing the system

Polybius, Strengths of Constitution: Military efficiency

Consuls ensured strong executive leadership, while the Senate provided strategic oversight and resources

Polybius, Strengths of constitution: Public Participation

Assemblies ensured the people had a voice (prevents widespread discontent and rebellion)

Polybius, comparison to Greek system: Instability of Greek City-States

Polybius criticizes Greek constitutions as prone to rapid degeneration due to their reliance on single forms of government

Example of Instability of Greek City-States

The frequent shifts between oligarchy and democracy in Athens and other poleis

Polybius, comparison to Greek system: Superiority of Rome

Rome's mixed constitution avoided the anacyclosis by incorporating checks and balances (achieved dominance and long-term stability)

Polybius' limitation: Idelization of Roman Constitution

Polybius's account may overemphasize Rome's stability and downplay internal conflicts (such as class struggles between patricians and plebeians)

Polybius' limitation: Later decline

Even Rome's constitution is not immune to decay, particularly as power becomes centralized in individuals (e.g., Julius Caesar)

Polybius' limitation: Limited suffrage

Despite democratic elements, power was heavily skewed toward the wealthy and elite

Sallust's preface

a focus on moral lessons and the decline of Roman virtue

Sallust: Human nature and ambition

Human beings are inherently capable of great deeds but are corrupted by greed and lust for power

Sallust: Reasons for moral decline in Rome

Growth of luxury, avarice, and ambition

Sallust: Rome's early virtue

In the early days of the Republic, Romans upheld justice, moderation, and cooperation. Military leaders sought honor for the state, not personal gain

Sallust: Beginning at Carthage... (146 BCE)

Rome became a dominant power and descended into corruption. Competition for wealth and prestige

Who is Lucius Sergius Catilina (Catiline)?

A noble but immoral and ambitious man. Driven by greed and desire for power. He sought to overthrow the republic

Who supported Catiline?

Discontented nobles and veterans seeking wealth and power.

The poor, desperate for debt relief.

Individuals opposed to the senatorial elite.

Sallust: Motives for the conspiracy

Catiline and his followers sought personal gain and a radical reordering of the Roman system.

Promised his supporters a redistribution of wealth and political reforms to gain their loyalty

Sallust: Criticism of the senate

Highlights the Senate's inefficacy in dealing with the conspiracy. Senate is portrayed as corrupt and self-serving (contributes to Rome's instability)

Who were Romulus and Remus?

Twin sons of Mars and Rhea Silvia, abandoned and raised by a she-wolf

Livy: Founding of Rome (753 BCE)

Romulus kills Remus and establishes the city

Sabine Woman

Roman men abduct Sabine women to ensure Rome's population growth; eventual peace and unification

Livy: Monarchical Rule

Seven kings of Rome, each contributing to Rome's development

How did the kings contribute to Rome's development (2 examples)

Numa Pompilius and religious institutions or Servius Tullius and social reforms

Livy: Tyranny of Tarquinius Superbus

Last king expelled after his son Sextus rapes Lucretia, leading to the establishment of the Republic

Livy: Founding of the Republic (509 BCE)

Lucius Junius Brutus and Collatinus become the first consuls

Livy: Republic's struggles against internal and external threats

Conflict with the Etruscans (led by Lars Porsenna).

Defenses against neighboring Latin and Sabine tribes.

Livy: Civic Virtue Examples

Horatius Cocles single-handedly defended a bridge against the Etruscans.

Gaius Mucius Scaevola infiltrates the enemy camp and burns his own hand to show Roman resilience.

Who was Cincinnatus in Rome?

Cincinnatus was a Roman statesman and farmer who became a legendary figure for his leadership and civic virtue, twice assuming dictatorship to save Rome and then willingly relinquishing power

Why is Cincinnatus considered a model of civic virtue?

Cincinnatus is admired for his humility and commitment to the Republic, as he returned to his farm after serving as dictator rather than holding onto power

What event led to Cincinnatus' first dictatorship?

In 458 BCE, Rome was under attack by the Aequi, and Cincinnatus was appointed dictator to lead the army. He defeated the Aequi in just 15 days and then stepped down immediately after securing victory.

What is Cincinnatus' significance in ancient Rome and modern political thought?

Cincinnatus became a symbol of selfless leadership and republican ideals, influencing later leaders like George Washington, who also relinquished power voluntarily.

Who was Horatius?

Horatius Cocles was a legendary Roman soldier known for defending the Pons Sublicius bridge against the Etruscans. Symbolizes bravery and patriotism.

What was Horatius's most famous act?

During an Etruscan attack on Rome, Horatius, along with two others, held off the enemy at the Pons Sublicius bridge while the Romans destroyed it behind them, preventing the enemy from crossing into the city.

How did Horatius handle the bridge battle?

After his comrades retreated, Horatius continued fighting alone until the bridge collapsed. He then swam across the Tiber River to safety despite being wounded.

Why is Horatius celebrated in Roman history?

He became a symbol of Roman courage, self-sacrifice, and loyalty to the Republic, inspiring generations of Romans to prioritize duty over personal safety.