Lesson 2: The Rise of the Roman Republic

Key Idea

In 509 B.C.E., the Romans overthrew their last king and established a new form of government. This government was a republic, where citizens elected leaders to represent them.

However, this new republic was not equal. All the power belonged to the patricians, Rome's wealthy, upper-class families. They controlled the main governing body, the Senate, and elected two leaders called consuls to manage the city and the army. This system gave the common people almost no voice in their own government.

Key Idea

When the Roman Republic began in 509 B.C.E., power was not shared equally.

A small group of wealthy landowners, the patricians, controlled the government. The common people, known as plebeians, were the majority of the population but had very little say in how Rome was run. This created deep tension between the two groups.

Key Idea

In the early Republic, only a few wealthy men held full Roman citizenship, giving them the power to vote and hold office. Over time, the idea of who could be a Roman citizen grew as the Republic expanded.

Rome offered different kinds of rights to conquered peoples as a way to encourage loyalty. Some new citizens could own property, while others, the cives optimo iure, held full political and private rights.

Key Idea

The Romans believed that good citizens had a responsibility to serve their government. This idea was called civic duty. It meant putting the needs of the Republic before personal gain or power.

The story of Cincinnatus became a famous example of this ideal. Cincinnatus was a farmer who was made a dictator to save Rome from an invasion. After leading Rome to victory, he gave up his power and returned to his farm instead of trying to rule.