History Essay: Exploring the Roman Republic and Roman Empire's Legacy

This essay examines the historical transition from the Roman Republic to the Roman Empire, highlighting key events, figures, and societal changes. It begins by outlining the establishment of the Roman Republic in 509 B.C., its cultural influences, and the role of the Greek city-states. The essay then discusses the expansion of the Republic through the Punic Wars and the subsequent internal conflicts that led to its downfall. The rise of the Roman Empire is explored, including the role of Julius Caesar and the evolution of the government under emperors. The essay also touches upon the division of the Empire, its eventual decline, and the lasting impacts on Europe and the world. Key figures like Julius Caesar and important constitutional reforms are discussed to provide a comprehensive understanding of this transformative period in history, drawing on references to support arguments.

Running Head: HISTORY ESSAY
HISTORY ESSAY

2HISTORY ESSAY
Traditionally dated back to 509 B.C the Roman Republic was the beginning of the
classical civilization in Rome which occurred by overthrowing the Roman Kingdom. It is during
this period Rome went on to get a stronghold in the entire Mediterranean world as their control
expanded. Under the Roman Republic, the society had a cultural mix of Etruscan (a part of
Italy), Greek and Latin elements. “Greek city-states of Magna Graecia was the major influencer
of the political organizations of the republic, with the help of annual and collective magistracies
and senators that were overseeing all the progress” (Dror 121). Apparently, the constitution of
the Roman Republic was made up of unwritten sets of principles and guidelines which were
constantly evolving and was passed down by precedent. The republic was ruled by a unique
government that helped Rome expand even beyond the city walls. Victories in the three Punic
wars occurring between the years 264 BC to 146 BC was one of the reasons why the area of the
republic expanded so much. Unfortunately, back to back civil wars brought about the downfall of
the Roman Republic in 27 BC.
The Roman Empire began after the downfall of the Roman Republic and went on till 400
AD and during this time Rome was the most powerful city in the world. During this time the
government of Rome was headed by Roman emperors and had a massive territorial holdings
including parts of Asia, Africa, and Europe. From 27 BC to 285 AD the empire, the country was
ruled from the city of Rome with the help of multiple emperors. Later the Roman Empire was
divided into the Eastern Roman Empire in Constantinople and Western Roman Empire in Milan.
The constitutional reforms of Julius Caesar and his assassination was the main perpetrator of the
ongoing civil wars resulting in the change from the Roman Republic to Roman Empire. The
central government, the provincial government, and the military were the three major elements
of the imperial Roman state. “The internal political divisions were subjected to exploitation by

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the empire as they often tend to favor one faction over another” (Shotter 78). In the earlier
participate the emperor was expected to be accessible to the people of every walks of society and
life and personally deal with official petitions and business but later the emperor became the
main authority in decision and policy making. The Roman Empire survived the fall of
Constantinople and the Western Roman Empire in the 5th century AD. The Roman Empire was
the most powerful cultural, military and economic force in Europe until it was defeated by the
Ottoman Turks in 1453.
Julius Caesar, during the early part of his career, came to understand the non-
functionality of the Roman Republic. “In between 49 BC to 44 BC Julius Caesar established a
constitution in order to accomplish three goals” (Garnsey, Peter, and Richard 285). With this
new constitution, Julius Caesar wanted to make the entire republic into a single cohesive unit; he
also wanted a strong central government in Rome and he also wanted all the armed resistance to
be suppressed in the provinces. Hence, Julius Caesar was, in more than one ways, right in
wanting to change the system and it happened too but at the cost of his execution in 44BC.

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References
Dror, Yehezkel. The capacity to govern: A report to the club of Rome. Routledge, 2012.
Garnsey, Peter, and Richard Saller. The Roman Empire: economy, society, and culture. Univ of
California Press, 2014.
Shotter, David Colin Arthur. The fall of the Roman Republic. Psychology Press, 2005.