Extensive Notes – The Fall of the Roman Republic 78 – 31 BC

Resource Description

Focus: Through an investigation of the archaeological and written sources for the fall of the
Roman Republic 78 – 31 BC, students examine the nature of power and authority, significant
developments that shaped the historical period and relevant historiographical issues.
Key Issues:
The Chronological and Geographical Context of Rome.
Political Developments in the Late Republic.
Wars and Expansion.
Fall of the Republic.
1) The chronological and geographical context of Rome in the Mediterranean and the Near
East, key powers in the region, and the nature of contact with other societies.
Geographical Context
o The city of Rome began as a small village in Italy; initially ruled by kings.
o The Roman Republic was established in 509 BC.
o Rome was situated on the western coast of the Italian peninsula. It expanded along the
river Tiber.
o The Apennines mountain range runs down the length of Italy.
o Land west of the mountains are well-watered and fertile.
o Rome’s central location would be a factor in its eventual drive towards and empire.
o By the end of the 4th century BC Rome had gained control of most of the area along
Italy’s western coast.
o Greek influence had been significant in southern Italy and on the island of Sicily.
o Rome fought 3 wars with its main rival Carthage (named the Punic Wars). Rome’s
destruction of Carthage made it the master of the western Mediterranean.
o By the end of the 1st century BC, Rome had established provinces in Greece.
Chronological Context
o 753 BC: The legendary founding of Rome by Romulus and Remus.
o 509 BC: The end of the monarchy. Throughout the 5th century the ‘Conflict of Orders’
is gradually settled (a conflict between Patricians and Plebeians).
o 390 BC: A Gallic invasion sees the sacking of Rome.
o By 265 BC: Rome completes its occupation of the Italian Peninsula.
o 264 – 241 BC: First Punic War against Carthage.
o 238 BC: Rome conquers Sardinia.
o 218 – 202 BC: Second Punic War.
o 149 – 146 BC: Third Punic War.
o 133 BC: Tribune Tiberius Gracchus assassinated by landowners.
o 91 – 88 BC: The Social War: revolt of Rome’s Italian allies.
o 88 – 64 BC: The first, second, and third Mithridatic War in the Asia Minor region.
o 73 BC: The Spartacist slave revolt; eventually crushed by Crassus and Pompey.
o 70 BC: Pompey and Crassus serve as co-consuls.
o 59 BC: First Triumvirate of Caesar, Pompey, and Crassus. Caesar is consul.
o 50s BC: Caesar conquers Gaul.
o 53 BC: Rome defeated at Carrhae by Parthia. Crassus is killed.
o 55/54 BC: Caesar invades Britain.
o 49 – 45 BC: Civil War in Rome. Caesar is triumphant.
o 44 BC: Assassination of Caesar.