Roman Balance Of Power Essay

From about 130-20 B.C., Rome went through a period of political confusion. Consuls were trying to adjust the balance of power among the three branches of government in the Roman Republic. Politicians were trying to manipulate the confused people with the hope that they would receive a high political position. Civil wars broke out, dictators emerged, and Senate began acquiring all political power. The Roman Republic finally collapsed and was replaced with the Roman Empire with the ascension of Octavian as emperor in 27 B.C. The Republic fell because the three branches of government could not work together; this pattern has repeated itself many times throughout history.

Roman government consisted of three branches: consuls, the Senate, and the

Wars broke out, such as the Social War and the war with Mithridates of Pontus. After excessive fighting and confusion, Sulla emerged as victor and dictator. “[Sulla] believed that only rule by an aristocratic oligarchy [the Senate] could protect Rome from future military adventurers and assure domestic peace.” Sulla began reforming the Republic’s constitution, adjusting the balance of power between the Senate and

A year later, he joined with Crassus, the other consul, to restore all tribunician rights. Caesar later became consul, and the three formed the First Triumvirate in 70 B.C. Crassus, however, died in 53 B.C. while on a military campaign. Shortly afterward, as a result of fighting between Caesar and Pompey, Caesar emerged as dictator of Rome—for an indefinite period of time. Because this infringed on the Senate’s authority, Caesar was assassinated. Civil wars erupted as a result of the confusion, lasting for 17 years. Finally, Octavian emerged as emperor of the Roman Empire in 27 B.C. The Roman Republic was