The Romans Lost Their Greatest Enemy

There is much to be said for the theory that the republic was not long for this world after Rome lost its greatest enemy. Over the course of the war, the power of the Senate had grown to far exceed the people's assemblies. The coming age of troubles would revolve around powerful men who put their own ambition above propriety. Control of Rome now meant control of the whole world. What chance did the republic have when absolute power was at stake?