Roman Republic When an Entity

Roman Republic

When an entity as great as the Roman Empire, the most powerful and influential nation of its time, crumbles into distant memories, there is a variety of reasons why it does so. Many experts believe that the primary reason why the Roman Republic failed was because while it was in its heyday it practiced one form of government, while during its declining years it practice another form.

During the Roman ascension, the Romans were governed by a modified republic. There was no king that could command the citizens of Rome at his whim, instead, the citizens were ruled by the Roman Senate and two consuls (who would serve or rule for only one year each). The consuls were chosen by the people of Rome by voting. This type of government, known as a Republic, was established by an individual by the name of Brutus (not of "et tu Brute" fame) after he led the people of Rome in a revolt against a particularly evil king, whom they chased out of Rome in 509 BC. The king, Tarquin, was replaced by the two consuls, the brainchild of Brutus.

This system would continue to govern Rome in a methodical and efficient manner throughout the next 700 years. The only major change to the government was when the Plebians (poorer citizens of Rome) demanded, and received, a more fair representation within the system.

In 59 BC Julius Caesar arrived on the scene, setting the stage for the beginning of Rome's demise. Caesar was a great general and brought most of Europe under Roman rule through leadership of the great Roman army under his command.

Caesar conquered many city-states and eventually chased his two main competitors to their death as well.

Upon returning victorious to Rome, he asked for and was given the title "Dictator for Life." The Senate was compelled to name him to such a position based on the power he displayed in ruling the Roman army, the successful completion of his military campaigns, and the overwhelming popularity Caesar enjoyed with the Plebians of Rome. It was not a situation the Senators enjoyed, many believed that Caesar was setting himself up to pass on his power to his son. Soon, a conspiracy was hatched, and twenty two senators stabbed Caesar to death. News of this murder, did not do what it was intended to do. Many of Rome's citizens now clamored for the heads of those senators and Octavius (Caesar's great-nephew) stepped in to take charge of the government and quiet that clamoring. The murder was of such disrepute, that many citizens lost faith in the government, and allowed Octavius the power that Caesar was said to have sought.

From that point until the Octavius died nearly 35 years later a monarchy was established and the Republic was on its death bed. Tiberus, son of Octavius, was given the powers of a king (though not the title) upon the death of Octavius, and Rome never went back to a Republic form of government.