The Rise of Rome

The Rise of Rome

Government Model and Influence of the Roman Republic

  • The founding fathers of the United States looked to the Roman Republic when designing the U.S. government.
  • The Roman Republic existed for centuries and served as a model for future governments.
  • The focus will be on the events between July and 44 BCE, with Julius Caesar being a central figure.

Key Traits of Early Rome

  • Influence of Greek Culture
    • The Romans admired and tried to replicate Greek achievements in art, medicine, science, architecture, and engineering.
    • Roman architecture shows clear influence from Greek design, which also influenced buildings in the United States.
  • Assimilation of Etruscan Customs
    • The Etruscans were a more advanced neighboring culture to the north of Rome.
    • Instead of conquering and subjugating the Etruscans, the Romans assimilated their customs into Roman culture.
    • This approach of embracing diversity and creating a fluid framework for expansion was key to Rome's success.
    • Examples of assimilated Etruscan customs include the alphabet and the toga.
  • Mythology and Early Monarchy
    • Early Roman history is filled with mythology, such as the story of Romulus and Remus being raised by a wolf.
    • Rome was initially a monarchy with elected absolute monarchs (except for Romulus).

Fascination with the Fall of Rome

  • The Western world is fascinated by the fall of Rome because the Roman state endured for a thousand years and then collapsed.
  • The collapse of such a successful state has implications for the United States.
  • All systems of government eventually fail, and understanding the reasons for Rome's demise may help avoid similar pitfalls.

Transition to the Roman Republic

  • The transition to the Roman Republic centered on the demise of the final monarch, Tarquinius (Tarquin the Proud).
  • Tarquinius was a corrupt and tyrannical ruler who disrespected the senate and executed its members.
  • A sex scandal involving Tarquinius' son, Sextus, raping Lucretia, led to the deposition of Tarquinius.
  • Lucretia's public suicide after the rape was the catalyst for the uprising.
  • The new system of government was rooted in a fear of monarchs having too much power.

The Roman Constitution

  • The Roman constitution was unwritten, allowing it to be fluid and adaptable over time.
  • This flexibility contributed to Rome's long-term success, but may have also created problems that led to the republic's demise.

Major Components of the Roman Republic

  • Executive Branch: Consuls
    • Two consuls were elected to enforce laws, with checks on their power to prevent tyranny.
    • Consuls could veto each other and were limited to one-year terms, with a ten-year waiting period before they could serve again.
  • The Legend of Cincinnatus
    • Cincinnatus was a former leader who returned to farming but was called upon during a national crisis.
    • He was granted dictatorial power to defeat invaders, and after a couple of weeks, he relinquished his power and went back to his farm.
    • This story exemplifies the Roman ideals of service to the state and rejecting personal ambition.
  • Legislative Branch: Senate
    • The senate was composed of elite citizens and served as an advisory body to the consuls.
    • The senate had special expertise in foreign affairs.
  • Democratic Branch: Legislative Assemblies
    • The assembly of centuries was composed of military members, and the assembly of tribes was open to all male citizens.

Contemporary Views on the Roman System of Government

  • Polybius, a Greek historian, described the Roman constitution as a mix of monarchy, aristocracy, and democracy.
  • The system was rooted in compromise, requiring different groups to work together.
  • No single component of the government was absolute, fostering moderation and compromise.
  • This approach to adapt and compromise was key to Rome's long-term success.