Roman Republic Research Paper

734 Words3 Pages

The Fall of the Roman Republic
The Roman Republic is a form of government that began after the Romans defeated the Etruscans who have conquered and ruled over the Roman people before being overthrown by them in 509 B.C.E. The Romans established a republic that had citizens elect people to represent them in political matters in the governing state. The Roman Republic chief executive officers chosen annually with limited terms administered government affairs and directed the Roman army into war. The Roman Republic was divided amongst the people. The Roman state was controlled by a few privileged group of people, the patricians, while another group of people, the plebeians, did not have the same power in government. This division will not constitute …show more content…

A continuous warfare waged on for hundred years between these neighbors. After this affair subsided the Romans found a new power which posed a formidable threat, Carthage. A battle soon broke out between the two powers over Sicily which led the Carthaginians to give up all rights to Sicily to the Romans. This act created a long lasting tension between the two states which would lead into a second war. Hannibal would be the military leader in this second war who amassed an army of 30,000 - 40,000 troops, 6,000 horses and elephants. The Roman army met with Hannibal’s in a head on fight. Rome lost the battle and almost lost all power in this disastrous loss. This would not be the fall of the Republic as the Romans did not give in, but built another army in a gradual recovery to again challenge Hannibal in a battle that would lead to the victory of Rome and the destruction of …show more content…

This corruption was created by laying waste to many civilizations in war. These victories would grant wealth accumulated from plundering their defeated opponents and having access to newly opened trade routes. Soon people would begin pursuing facets that would only improve their own self-interest; wealth, power, and self centered friendships. This corruption, which at first was only among the people, spread into the government which quickly devastated the Republic which was built upon good merits. This view on the end of the Republic is accounted by Sallust. Who views this Republic now as cruel and

More about Roman Republic Research Paper