1P92 2.1 Republic Systems1

Roman Republic Overview

  • Timeline: 510 – 27 BCE

  • Term "Republic" Origin: From Latin res (business/affair) + publica (public/common) = res publica, denoting a commonwealth overseen by the people of Rome.

  • Key Elements of Government:

    • Senate

    • Magistrates

    • People

  • Slogan: SPQR = Senatus, Populusque Romanus, indicating the Senate and the people of Rome collaborate in governance.

  • Modern Reference: Current municipal authority symbolized by a manhole in Rome.

Senate of Republican Rome

  • Function: Advisory body comprised of aristocratic men.

  • Evolution: Originated from chiefs of gentes in the Regal period to an assembly of previous magistrates.

  • Legislative Role: Provided advice referred to as Senatum Consultum, which required ratification by the people.

  • Authorities: Controlled public treasury and foreign policy.

  • Membership: Expanded to approximately 300 members, providing experience and stability.

  • 19th Century Representation: Artistic interpretations of the Senate in action.

Populus Romanus

  • Definition: Refers to male citizens of Rome.

  • Division of Assemblies: Organized into three assemblies based on tribes which sometimes diluted voting power due to size variations.

    • Comitia Centuriata: The principal assembly, organized for military duty, responsible for voting on war, electing consuls and praetors, and conferring Imperium (power to lead armies).

    • Other Assemblies: Voted on lower magistrates and civic legislation, with straightforward yes/no votes.

  • Magistrates: Addressed the Populus in legislative matters.

Republican Magistrates: Consuls

  • Definition: Two men elected annually as the highest magistrates.

  • Power Dynamics: They held equal authority and decisions required mutual agreement.

  • Concept of Liberty: Shared power and annual turnover viewed as Liberitas (freedom) for Roman elites.

  • Roles: Presided over the Senate, served as military generals, addressed citizens in the Forum Romanum (Roman Forum).

More Magistrates

  • Praetors: Six magistrates who acted as judges and could command an army with Imperium if needed; later operated provinces.

  • Aediles: Four junior magistrates responsible for public works including infrastructure like roads and markets.

  • Quaestors: Twenty magistrates assisting in military roles, overseeing taxation, treasury, and record keeping.

Forum Romanum

  • Significance: Political heart of Rome, hosting major civic activities.

  • Curia: Senate House where the Senate and Consuls convened.

  • Rostra: The speaker's platform for magistrates to address the populace.

  • Modern View: The Roman Forum today is a testament to its historical importance.

Curia or Senate House of Rome

  • Interior Features: Low benches were available for seating.

  • Historical Importance: A reconstruction from the Late Empire showcases its enduring significance.

Career Path for Elites

  • Cursus Honorum: The "Path of Honor" aimed at magistrates wishing to rise to consul.

  • Nobilitas: Symbolized as a form of fame and recognition associated with prominent families (gentes).

  • Consular Families: About 20 families had a continuous presence in election cycles.

  • Late Republic Tensions: Increased competition amplified conflicts as political rivalries escalated.

Consular Symbols: Toga Praetexta

  • Description: The toga worn by consuls, characterized by a Tyrian purple stripe.

  • Significance of Color: White toga represented purity, while the purple stripe indicated status; Tyrian Purple was an expensive dye traded by Phoenicians.

Consular Symbols: Curule Chair

  • Identification: Sella curulis, a chair used in the Senate and military campaigns.

  • Status Indicator: Symbol of authority for magistrates holding Imperium.

  • Cultural Adoption: Derived from Etruscan influences, depicted on Roman coins.

Magisterial Attendants: Lictores

  • Role: Consuls were preceded by 12 Lictores; their number varied with magistrate rank (e.g., Praetors = 6, Aediles = 2).

  • Function: Acted as attendants and bodyguards, clearing paths and summoning crowds.

Fasces

  • Symbol of Authority: Held by Lictores, consisting of a bundle of rods with an axe inside.

  • Enforcement Power: Symbolized authority for corporal punishment, a concept still evocative in modern language regarding fascism (term reused by Mussolini).

Elite Ideals & Values: Mos Maiorum

  • Definition: Translates to “Customs of Ancestors,” reflecting social and religious practices primarily held by Patricians, evolving into broader adoption among wealthy Romans.

  • Core Values:

    • Virtus: Courage and valor.

    • Pietas: Duty and devotion, encompassing loyalty to family, gods, and state.

Other Magistrates: Dictator

  • Usage Definition: Appointed solely during emergencies or military crises; usually limited to one ex-Consul with maximal power for a duration of six months or until the crisis is resolved.

  • Historical Example: 458 BCE - Cincinnatus was named dictator while Rome faced conflict with the Aequi.

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