This book chronicles the years 146-78 BC, a period marked by the rise of economic inequality, social and ethnic prejudice, and rampant corruption, which ultimately led to the collapse of the Roman Republic. Duncan explores how men like Marius, Sulla, and the Gracchi brothers set new precedents that undermined the traditional principles of the Republic, leading it towards destruction. The book also draws parallels between the decline of the Roman Republic and contemporary political issues, highlighting the importance of maintaining democratic norms and addressing social and economic inequalities.
In this comprehensive study, Harriet I. Flower examines the use of ancestor masks in Roman culture, particularly how these masks were worn by actors at funerals to commemorate politically prominent family members. She analyzes literary sources, legal texts, epigraphy, archaeology, numismatics, and art to understand the functional evolution of these masks and their significance as symbols of power and prestige within the Roman elite society.
In 'Mortal Republic,' Edward J. Watts provides a detailed history of the Roman Republic's collapse. He argues that the Republic's demise was not inevitable but rather the result of thousands of small wounds inflicted by Romans who assumed the system would last forever. Watts chronicles how Rome's leaders increasingly pursued individual gain and obstructed their opponents, leading to political violence, civil wars, and ultimately the rise of the imperial reign of Augustus. The book highlights the parallels between ancient Rome's political struggles and contemporary issues, such as wealth inequality, partisan gridlock, and the threat of centralized power.
As the U.S. tries to come to grips with a resurgence of political violence in recent years, it's instructive to look at how the norm against political violence eroded during the late Roman Republic and contributed to ultimately autocratic rule.
Catherine Steel, Professor of Classics at the University of Glasgow, specializes in the political history of the Roman Republic and its institutional structures and has written books and articles about the period. She joined David Priess to discuss her path from studying Cicero to researching and teaching the politics and history of ancient Rome, the core political features of the Republic, the concept of tribunal sacrosanctity, the challenges of dealing with primary sources on ancient Rome, how political violence flared in 133 BCE around Tiberius Gracchus, the political violence 12 years later around his brother Gaius Gracchus, the 20 years of off-and-on political violence around Marius and Sulla, the intent and effects of Sulla's constitution, the lead-up to Julius Caesar, Roman citizens' awareness of changes in the Republic, implications for today, and more.
Works mentioned in this episode:
Chatter is a production of Lawfare and Goat Rodeo. This episode was produced and edited by Cara Shillenn of Goat Rodeo. Podcast theme by David Priess, featuring music created using Groovepad.
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