Rome in the Late Republic

Rome in the Late Republic

Rule by one man, the princeps (the emperor) was established by Augustus after the Battle of Actium in 31BC (arguably).  

Emperor Augustus Statue Rome (image/jpeg)

Caption: : A statue of Emperor Augustus in Rome

82-44BC

82: Sulla invades Rome 81-79: Sulla is dictator and introduces proscriptions / reforms the constitution 77: Pompey crushes revolt of Lepidus 77-3: Pompey in Spain 73-1: revolt of Spartacus / Pompey returns from Spain 70: Pompey and Crassus are consuls 67: Pompey against the pirates 66: Pompey against Mithridates 63: Cicero is consul 62: Pompey returns from the East 60: First Triumvirate

59: Julius Caesar is consul 58-49: Caesar in Gaul 56: gang warfare disrupts Rome 55: Pompey and Crassus are consuls 52: Pompey is sole consul 49: Caesar crosses the Rubicon 49-45: Civil War 48: Pompey defeated at Pharsalus and escapes to Egypt / is murdered there by Ptolemy 44: Caesar becomes dictator for life and is murdered by the Senatorial Conspirators in Rome

82-44BC

Rome was set up to run as a city-state, not a large empire (e.g. the check system for proconsuls once they re-entered Rome meant that they were reluctant to do so). The development of large estates put pressure on the traditional Roman farmer - for example, grain produced in Africa and imported was cheaper than home-grown grain (and the growth of importance of those related to import / export was impacted - e.g. Pompey). The rise of the professional army after Marius' reforms meant that men were loyal to their general, not the state (prior to these, you had to own land and have a qualification to join the army). Power gradually moved from the Senate/State into the hands of strong personalities.

Sulla

Sullastatue (image/jpeg)

Caption: : Sulla

Sulla Lucius Cornelius Sulla was a noble from a prominent senatorial family. He served under Marius in wars in Africa and Germany. He was given consulship in 88BC, and given command of the war with Mithridates, the Asian king. However, this was given to Marius by the Assembly. Sulla marched on Rome with six legions, at which Marius fled. While Sulla was leading the war, Marius and Cinna took power in Rome, using riots and violence. When Sulla returned, he marched on Rome again in 83BC and restored order. He was declared dictator in 82BC, held until 80BC, when he became consul again.