Roman Republic's Democratic Hierarchical System Of Government

The Roman Republic in an era most characterised by its democratic, hierarchical system of government. The era is seen to begin in 509 BC when the Roman Kingdom was overthrown. The Kingdom had a monarchical system, which was replaced by a government lead by two consuls that were in theory elected annually by the citizens of the state. The Roman Republic however in the 80s entered a period of instability with the Social and Civil Wars. The second Civil war in 82 BC, marked an watershed in the history of the Roman Republic. Sulla’s second march on Rome is can be seen to seal the fate of the Roman Republic, with the Republic’s government transitioning into an Empire lead by absolute rulers. An alternative interpretation is the the fate of the
However, soon after he gained control he was forced to depart to lad the first Mithridatic war in the east. Both allowed Sulla to build up high military influence. In 83 BC Sulla had built up five legions, to maintain peace in Asia he left two in the east, with the remaining preparing to march to Rome. In the spring of 83 BC Sulla landed uncontested at the heel of Italy. At Rome, consuls Norbanus and Cornelius prepared armies to defeated the oncoming troops however the strength and moral of Sulla’s troops left to repeated victories for the commander. Sulla was supported by many influential men, such as Pompey, son of Pompius Strabo, who with his own army was able to secure Northern Italy for Sulla. The Senate, in the hope of inspiring Marian supporters, elected Gaius Marius, son of the dead consul. The final decisive battle of what is called the 2nd Civil War was the Battle of Colline Gate on 82 BC. Sulla’s forces were victorious against Marius and his troops, and Sulla stood as the only master of Rome. This march on Rome and Sulla’s subsequent control of Rome is interpreted by many scholars to seal the fate of the Roman
The Senate’s decision was ratified by the assembly of the people, and no time limit was set on his dictatorship. This appointment had only ever been used in time of extreme danger in the Republic, such as during the 2nd Punic War. However, even in these circumstances it was only used for 6 month periods. Appian cites Sulla’s march on Rome showed an ‘immediate interest…to revive dictatorship’. (Appian, Civil War 1.99) He continues and writes that the position of dictatorship had been in ‘abeyance for 400 years’ and that Sulla had introduced ‘absolute tyranny’ and ‘resorted back to a kingly government’.(Appian, Civil War 1.99) This form of government goes against the system of the Roman Republic. His dictatorship set a precedent for future years, and paved the way for the rule of Emperors in the Roman Empire. This type of rule have begun to emerge in Rome, through Sulla’s march on the