The Destruction Of Democracy In The Late Roman Republic

Lord Acton once said, “Absolute power corrupts absolutely”. This politician of the 19th century would have fit well with the late Roman republic. The political leaders of the Roman republic were so greedy for control of it that they ended up destroying the famous democracy. The extent of their violence included placing severed heads onto spears and posting them in the forum.This conflict was the ricochet of the refuse to compromise. Conflict is the manipulating of others to get gain, or the refusal to be manipulated, although in many cases, a refuse to compromise. Compromise is an agreement on a matter, often temporary in Rome. The lack of political compromise between Gaius Marius and Lucius Cornelius Sulla, influential leaders of the Roman

It gave the aristocrats more power than they should. Because the government is ruled by optimates, Marius’s rise to power causes political conflict with many with many powerful politicians. Anyone could run for offices, but is was so expensive that usually only the optimates could afford. This prevents almost all of the populars from running for offices. Plebeians were also disallowed from marrying into aristocratic rank. Although the plebeians were allowed to be in the assembly of centuries, the wealthy had more power in it. This was the body that the plebeians wanted to be governing. The plebeians also wanted a single ruler who followed the majority(Mcgill). New leaders find that they can use the plebeians’ wants for support, and in turn, for

Marius first served as a soldier under Scipio Africanus, a military leader. He was a soldier and he presented his bravery many times. Once when asked, Scipio suggested that they would find a leader in Marius after he was not to lead them anymore(Macgregor). This brought Marius great confidence. He became a quaestor in 123 B.C.(Heaton). Quaestors were subordinates of consuls that administered finance to the public(Mcgill). Marius became the tribune of plebes in 119 B.C. The tribune of plebes was a chief officer in the Assembly of Tribes who could veto any public act at any time(Mcgill). Marius attempts to pass a law that would forbid powerful candidates from intimidating the voters(Heaton). This would not only give him more of a chance, but it was a popular choice with the plebeians, giving him more support. It also started political conflict with powerful political figures. Marius became a praetor in 115 B.C.(Heaton). Praetors were subordinates of consuls that oversaw justice(Mcgill). He was assigned proprietorship in further Spain. He put down many long standing revolts(Heaton). Marius put back running for consul because there was too much political conflict with most powerful politicians. Marius ran for consul in 107 B.C. with new momentum from the Jugurthine war. He was elected because of his military experience(Heaton). Marius was a poor public speaker but a revolutionary military leader,