12.1 Early Rome: myths, monarchy, and the early republic
3 min read•july 19, 2024
Rome's mythical founding, centered on and , gave the city a divine origin story. This tale established important cultural values and legitimized Rome's rule. The seven kings of the early monarchical period laid the groundwork for Rome's expansion and institutions.
The transition to a republic in 510 BCE marked a shift towards oligarchic rule. Key institutions like the Senate, , and emerged, shaping Rome's political landscape. The divide between and set the stage for ongoing social and political tensions.
The Mythical Founding and Early History of Rome
Mythical founding of Rome
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- Twin brothers Romulus and Remus attributed as the founders of Rome
- Sons of the god and the abandoned as infants in a basket on the Tiber River
- Rescued and suckled by a she-wolf then raised by a shepherd named Faustulus
- Romulus and Remus quarreled over the location of their new city
- Romulus killed Remus becoming the sole founder and first king of Rome naming the city after himself (eponyms)
- Mythical founding date of Rome traditionally set as 753 BCE
- Myth of Rome's founding significant in Roman culture
- Provided a divine and heroic origin story for the city and its people legitimizing the rule of early kings and later Roman state
- Established important cultural values such as military prowess and belief in Rome's destined greatness
Key events of Roman monarchy
- Rome ruled by seven kings during early monarchical period according to tradition
- Romulus (753-716 BCE) founded Rome and organized its first institutions
- Numa Pompilius (715-673 BCE) established religious rites and priesthoods
- (673-642 BCE) warlike king destroyed Alba Longa
- Ancus Marcius (642-617 BCE) expanded Roman territory built port of Ostia
- (616-579 BCE) Etruscan king began construction of
- (578-535 BCE) reformed Roman constitution established census and Comitia Centuriata
- Tarquinius Superbus (534-510 BCE) tyrannical king overthrown in rebellion leading to establishment of Republic
- Early monarchical period saw gradual expansion of Roman territory and influence
- Rome began as small settlement on Palatine Hill growing to control surrounding hills and entire region of Latium
The Transition to Republic and the Early Republican Period
Transition to Roman republic
- Last king Tarquinius Superbus overthrown in rebellion led by in 510 BCE
- Tarquinius accused of tyranny and abuses of power
- Son Sextus Tarquinius raped Lucretia wife of prominent nobleman sparking outrage among aristocracy
- After expulsion of Tarquinius Rome became a republic
- Power vested in two annually elected magistrates called consuls holding executive authority and commanding army
- Consuls advised by Senate council of wealthy and influential aristocrats
- Transition to republic marked shift towards more oligarchic system of government
- Political power concentrated in hands of small group of aristocratic families
- Common people (plebeians) had limited political rights and representation
Institutions of early republic
- Senate most important institution of early Republic
- Composed of around 300 members drawn from ranks of patricians (aristocrats)
- Advised consuls and other magistrates on policy and legislation controlling public finances and foreign policy
- Comitia Centuriata primary legislative assembly
- Composed of all male citizens divided into 193 centuries based on wealth and age
- Elected consuls and other higher magistrates declaring war and passing laws
- Comitia Tributa another legislative assembly
- Composed of all male citizens divided into 35 tribes based on geography
- Elected lower magistrates and passed laws
- Roman society divided into patricians and plebeians
- Patricians wealthy aristocrats dominating politics and religion
- Plebeians common people including farmers, artisans, merchants with limited rights
- Tension and conflict between classes as plebeians sought greater political representation
- office created to protect interests of plebeians
- Tribunes could veto actions of magistrates and Senate
- Convened assembly of plebeians passing laws binding on whole population
Key Terms to Review (19)
Cloaca Maxima: The Cloaca Maxima, or 'Great Sewer', is one of the world's earliest sewage systems, constructed in ancient Rome around the 6th century BCE. It played a crucial role in the drainage and sanitation of the city, connecting various water sources and removing waste, thereby contributing to the public health and urban planning of early Rome.
Comitia centuriata: The comitia centuriata was one of the primary assemblies in the Roman Republic, responsible for electing high-ranking officials and passing laws. This assembly was organized based on wealth and military status, where citizens were divided into different groups called centuries, influencing their voting power. It played a crucial role in shaping the political landscape of Rome by connecting social hierarchy to governance.
Comitia tributa: The comitia tributa, or the Tribal Assembly, was a popular assembly in ancient Rome that allowed citizens to vote on laws and elect magistrates based on their tribes. This assembly played a crucial role in the development of Roman democracy and the political structure during the republic, showcasing the balance of power between the patricians and plebeians. It was an essential component of Roman republican government, reflecting the growing political influence of the common people.
Concilium plebis: The concilium plebis was a key assembly in the Roman Republic, representing the common people, or plebeians. This assembly allowed plebeians to pass laws, elect their own officials called tribunes, and voice their concerns, marking a significant step towards political equality with the patricians. The establishment of this assembly was crucial in the gradual development of a more inclusive government structure in ancient Rome.
Conflict between patricians and plebeians: The conflict between patricians and plebeians refers to the ongoing social struggle in ancient Rome between the patricians, who were the wealthy aristocratic class, and the plebeians, the common citizens. This conflict was marked by a series of political, social, and economic tensions that ultimately led to significant changes in the Roman political system, including the establishment of new rights and representation for the plebeians.
Consul: A consul was one of the highest elected political offices in the Roman Republic, typically held by two individuals at a time who served as the heads of state and military commanders. The consuls were responsible for executing laws, leading armies, and presiding over the Senate and assemblies, playing a crucial role in the governance of Rome. Their authority was considerable, but it was balanced by the system of checks and balances that characterized the republican government.
Establishment of the Roman Republic: The establishment of the Roman Republic refers to the transition from monarchical rule to a republican form of government in Rome around 509 BCE. This significant change was marked by the overthrow of the last king, Tarquin the Proud, and led to the creation of a system where elected officials represented the interests of the citizens, shifting power dynamics in Roman society.
Lucius Junius Brutus: Lucius Junius Brutus was a foundational figure in Roman history, known for being one of the first consuls of the Roman Republic and a key player in the overthrow of the last Roman king, Tarquin the Proud. His actions led to the establishment of the republic in 509 BCE, marking a significant shift from monarchy to a system where power was shared among elected officials. Brutus is often celebrated as a symbol of liberty and resistance against tyranny, embodying the values that defined early republican Rome.
Mars: Mars is the Roman god of war, associated with military power, aggression, and the protection of the Roman state. In early Roman mythology, he was also connected to agriculture, symbolizing the fertility of the land, which highlights his dual role as both a warrior and a nurturer. His importance in Roman religion and culture is reflected in various festivals, temples, and artistic representations that celebrated his influence and significance to the Roman identity.
Patricians: Patricians were members of the upper class in ancient Rome, distinguished by their noble lineage and political influence. This elite group played a significant role in the governance of early Rome, often holding important positions in the Senate and having exclusive rights to certain religious and political offices. Their status was closely tied to land ownership and wealth, which further solidified their power in both the early republic and later periods.
Plebeians: Plebeians were the common people of ancient Rome, distinct from the elite patrician class. They played a crucial role in Roman society and governance, especially as the republic developed and social tensions between the two classes grew. The plebeians' struggle for political rights and representation significantly influenced Rome's political landscape during its early years and later contributed to social and economic changes.
Remus: Remus is a figure in Roman mythology, famously known as one of the twin brothers who, along with Romulus, is credited with the founding of Rome. His story symbolizes themes of rivalry and conflict, particularly the intense relationship between the two brothers, which ultimately culminated in Remus's death at the hands of Romulus. The myth of Remus not only highlights the legendary origins of Rome but also sets the stage for exploring the cultural values and political structures of early Roman society.
Rhea Silvia: Rhea Silvia is a legendary figure in Roman mythology, known as the mother of the founders of Rome, Romulus and Remus. As a vestal virgin and daughter of the king Numitor, she became pregnant by the god Mars, which led to the birth of the twins who would later become central to Rome's foundation myth. Her story intertwines with themes of divine intervention and the conflict between royalty and usurpation.
Romulus: Romulus is the legendary founder and first king of Rome, credited with establishing the city in 753 BCE. His story intertwines with themes of myths, monarchy, and the early republic, reflecting the values and beliefs of ancient Roman culture. Romulus's tale includes elements of divine ancestry, fratricide, and the creation of Rome's foundational institutions, which laid the groundwork for the development of Roman identity and governance.
Servius Tullius: Servius Tullius was the sixth king of Rome, known for his significant reforms that laid the foundation for the Roman Republic's social and political structure. His reign is characterized by the establishment of the census, the division of citizens into classes, and the creation of the Comitia Centuriata, which was a crucial assembly that allowed for a more organized approach to governance. These reforms not only strengthened the political power of the common people but also marked a shift in Rome's governance from monarchy toward a more structured republican system.
Tarquinius Priscus: Tarquinius Priscus, also known as Tarquin the Elder, was the fifth king of Rome, reigning from 616 to 579 BCE. He is often credited with significant contributions to early Roman society, including military victories and various public works that laid the foundation for Rome's future development. His reign marked a transition from monarchy to the complexities of the early republican period, showcasing both the strengths and weaknesses of Roman leadership.
Tribune of the Plebs: The Tribune of the Plebs was an important political office in ancient Rome, established to represent the interests of the plebeians, the common people of Rome, against the ruling patricians. This role was crucial during the early republic as it allowed plebeians to have a voice in government and provided a check on the power of the patrician class. The tribunes had the power to veto legislation and protect plebeians from unjust treatment.
Tullus Hostilius: Tullus Hostilius was the third king of Rome, known for his military prowess and efforts to expand Roman territory. His reign is marked by significant conflicts with neighboring tribes, particularly the Albans, and his focus on strengthening the Roman state through warfare and alliances.
Vestal Virgin: A Vestal Virgin was a priestess in ancient Rome who was dedicated to the goddess Vesta, the deity of the hearth, home, and family. These women held a prestigious position in Roman society, tasked with maintaining the sacred fire of Vesta, symbolizing the eternal life of Rome. Their role emphasized the importance of religious and familial values in early Rome during its myths, monarchy, and the establishment of the republic.