Topic 1: Structure of the Republic

Understanding the political system that governed Rome for over 400 years

H408/33 - Politics of the Late Republic

By the end of this topic, you will be able to:

Explain the origins and founding myths of the Roman Republic
Analyse the complex structure of Republican government and magistracies
Evaluate the role of patronage and personal relationships in Roman politics
Assess the importance of Republican ideals like dignitas, libertas, and auctoritas
Compare the political strategies of optimates and populares
Understand how Republican institutions both strengthened and weakened the state

1.1

What was the Roman Republic?

Explore the origins of the Republic through founding myths and the transition from monarchy to shared governance.

Covers: Monarchy to Republic transition, SPQR, foundational myths, Lucretia and Brutus, early Republican ideals

Start Topic 1.1

1.2

The Constitution of the Republic

Examine the complex system of magistracies, assemblies, and checks and balances that governed Rome.

Covers: Cursus honorum, magistracies, Senate, assemblies, tribunes, consuls, dictators

Start Topic 1.2

1.3

Patronage and Amicitia

Understand how personal relationships and networks of obligation shaped Roman political life.

Covers: Patron-client relationships, amicitia, inimicitia, political alliances, First Triumvirate

Start Topic 1.3

1.4

Political Ideals

Analyse the values and principles that supposedly guided Republican politicians and their actions.

Covers: Dignitas, libertas, auctoritas, concordia ordinum, otium cum dignitate, Stoicism

Start Topic 1.4

1.5

Key Political Factions

Explore the informal groupings that dominated late Republican politics and their competing ideologies.

Covers: Optimates, populares, boni, political opportunism vs ideology, case studies

Start Topic 1.5

salve! 👋