Roman republic and populism

Senate

The most powerful body in the republic, made up of elite Romans who advised magistrates and controlled money and foreign policy.

magistrates

Elected officials who ran the government and enforced laws—like the executive branch.

consul

Two top magistrates elected each year to lead the government and army; each could veto the other.

aedile

Managed city services like markets, festivals, roads, and public buildings.

quaestor

Handled government finances and helped consuls and governors with money matters.

censor

Counted the population (the census), managed public morals, and could remove Senators from office.

tribune of the plebs

Elected to protect the rights of plebeians; had the power to veto laws or decisions they felt were unfair.

patricians

The wealthy, aristocratic class of early Rome; often held most political power.

plebeians

The common people of Rome—farmers, merchants, and workers who gradually gained political rights.

dictator

A temporary leader given full power in a crisis, usually for six months.

Roman republic

Started in 509 BC after the last king was overthrown; citizens elected leaders to govern.

Roman federalism

Rome’s system of making alliances with conquered peoples—offering partial rights to keep control without total domination.

socii Latini

“Latin allies” who were close to Roman citizens in status; first allies and neighbors of Rome.

socii Italici

“Italian allies” who had fewer rights than Latin allies but were still important military partners.

civitates foederatae

“Federated cities” (often Greek or non-Italian) that had treaties with Rome and kept partial independence.

genius of the Roman system

Rome built a powerful republic through laws and integration—not just force or one ruler.

why become Roman

Allies gained protection, freedom from taxes, and prestige—though they had to serve in the army.

Celts sack Rome

In 390 BC, Rome was burned by invading Celts—an event that traumatized the Roman people and shaped future policies.

Samnite wars

A series of wars (343–290 BC) where Rome fought mountain warriors in central Italy—tough battles that made Rome stronger.

Latin wars

In 340–338 BC, some Latin allies rebelled against Rome but were defeated; this led to new alliance structures.

Pyrrhic war

From 280–275 BC, Greek cities in Italy fought Rome with help from King Pyrrhus, who won battles but lost the war.

Roman control over all Italy

By 265 BC, Rome had either conquered or allied with most of Italy, becoming the dominant power on the peninsula.

populism

appealing to the common people

elitism

appealing to the elites and wealthy

optimates

elitist political faction

populares

populist faction

Gracchi brothers

Tiberius and Gaius, tribunes of the plebs, populists, promised to redistribute land and citizenship; assassinated

Gaius Marius

consul 107 - 86 BC; Marian reforms: standard weapons and armor for soldiers; war as a career not a temporary measure; soldiers became loyal to generals more than to the government

Sulla

general; very successful but passed over in favor of Marius; led his army into Rome and seized power; published "proscriptions" (kill lists)