The Roman Republic

Romulus and Remus

• Romulus and Remus: twin sons of a queen and Mars, god of war

• Abandoned in a marsh by an evil king

• Raised by a wolf who fed them milk

Founding of Rome: 1

• Rescued by a shepherd and raised as his sons

• As adults, planned to found a city in honour of their parents

• Disagreed on the city’s location, so left decision to the gods

Founding of Rome: 2

• Gods chose Romulus’ plan to build on Palatine Hill

• Remus became angry

• Romulus killed Remus to uphold gods’ will

• Founded Rome on Palatine Hill in 753 BC

Romans and the Gods

• Romans believed in many gods who interacted directly with humans

• Gods could help, harm, or have children with humans

• Worship and sacrifices were needed to gain their favour

• Choice of god depended on desired help

• Example: Neptune, god of the sea, was offered sacrifices before ocean voyages

The Roman Worldview

• Romans believed their civilisation was superior and should be adopted by others

• “Civilised” = followed Roman laws and customs; others were “barbarians”

• “Civilised” people could become citizens with benefits like voting

• Citizenship required sacrifices, e.g., men serving in the military

Patricians

• Patricians = Rome’s social elite, status by birth

• Controlled wealth, business, and political positions

• Law protected all citizens equally, but Patricians often favoured in society

Plebians

• Plebeians = citizens who were not Patricians

• Included both wealthy and poor

• Could serve in the Senate, but many lacked wealth to gain political power

Slaves: 1

• Slaves often prisoners of war or people unable to repay debts

• Legally property with no rights; owners could kill them

• Children of female slaves were born slaves

Slaves: 2

• Slaves could be freed by their masters and granted certain rights

• Educated slaves, especially skilled in maths, were highly valued

Slaves: 3

• Slaves could serve the same master for life and represent him in business

• Freed slaves became citizens called freemen, a type of Plebeian

Non-citizens

• Foreigners from “civilised” societies (e.g., Greeks) got temporary rights in Roman cities

• Could not usually buy property or live in cities without special permission

• “Barbarians” were denied rights and legal protection

Entertainment

• Relaxation and entertainment were key to being “civilised”

• Wealthy Romans and Senators hosted public feasts, gladiator fights, and chariot races to gain public favour

• Plays, poems, and literature were popular, especially among educated Patricians

Attitudes Towards Death

• Death was common and accepted in Roman life

• Gladiator deaths were public spectacles

• Suicide of disgraced public figures was expected and glorified

• Dying for the Republic was considered an honorable death

Roman Politics

• Republic’s system aimed to prevent a single person gaining power

• High-ranking officials, called Magistrates, were elected by the people

• Magistrates were advised by the Senate

• Senators were appointed by Magistrates and had to be wealthy men of good moral character

The Senate: 1

• Roman Senate = most prestigious governing body in the Republic

• Began as advisory council to early kings

• By late Republic (133–27 BCE), directed much of Rome’s domestic and foreign affairs

The Senate: 2

• Senate membership restricted to wealthy male citizens, mainly Patricians; some wealthy Plebeians could join

• By Julius Caesar’s time, about 600 members served for life once appointed

The Senate: 3

• Senators = distinguished by their clothing - wore togas with broad purple stripes and special red shoes

• Met in the Curia in the Roman Forum

• Senate controlled finances, directed foreign policy, oversaw religious matters, and advised elected Magistrates, especially consuls

Consuls

• Rome was led by two Consuls who ruled for one year

• Consuls were Magistrates, elected by the people, not the Senate

• an individual could become a Consul more than once; Julius Caesar was Consul three times

• Only former Consuls could become Censors

Consular Power

• The Consuls were very powerful

• Consuls had full military authority

• Could veto each other’s decisions

• Ruled in alternating months