Roman politics is a fascinating subject that has greatly influenced modern political systems. In this section, we will explore the key aspects of Roman politics, including the Roman Republic and the Roman Empire.

Roman Republic

The Roman Republic was a period of Roman history from 509 BC to 27 BC, characterized by a system of government that balanced the power of the wealthy patricians with the common people, the plebeians.

  • Two Consuls: The government was led by two consuls, who were elected annually.
  • Senate: The Senate was a group of elders who advised the consuls and made important decisions.
  • Assemblies: The people had a voice through various assemblies, including the Comitia Centuriata and the Comitia Tributa.

Roman Senate

Roman Empire

After the fall of the Roman Republic, the Roman Empire was established, which lasted from 27 BC to AD 476. The empire was characterized by a centralized government and a vast empire stretching across Europe, the Middle East, and North Africa.

  • Emperor: The emperor was the head of state and held absolute power.
  • Senators: The Senate continued to play a role, but its power was greatly reduced compared to the Roman Republic.
  • Provinces: The empire was divided into provinces, each governed by a governor.

Roman Emperor Augustus

Further Reading

For a more in-depth understanding of Roman politics, we recommend visiting the following resources:

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