Ancient Civilisations The Roman Republic
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Feb 7, 2025 
David Gwynn, a Professor of Roman History at Royal Holloway University, dives into the dramatic events leading up to Julius Caesar's assassination. He discusses how the Roman Republic transformed from its humble beginnings and the pivotal moments that crafted its path toward dictatorship. The podcast also highlights the social crises triggered by expansion, the reforms of Gaius Marius that shifted army loyalties, and the implications of Caesar's rise and fall for the future of Rome. A thrilling exploration of power, betrayal, and the rise of empires!
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Cincinnatus' Virtuous Dictatorship
- Lucius Quinctius Cincinnatus left his farm to serve as dictator during a crisis.
- He solved the war quickly and then voluntarily returned to his farm, embodying Roman virtue.
Glory Drives Roman Expansion
- Roman senators sought military glory (gloria) to increase their social standing (dignitas).
- This competition for glory drove constant war and expansion by Rome.
Rome’s Constant State of War
- Romans were almost always at war, spending 440 of 450 years in conflict.
- This militarism explains Rome's rise but also foreshadows the Republic's collapse.