The Birth of the Roman Republic
Tides of History
Austerity Over Conspicuous Consumption in Ancient Rome
The fall of the kings in Rome led to a shift towards austerity and away from conspicuous consumption. Key players in the early decades of the Republic adamantly opposed having any more kings. Any aristocrat displaying excessive wealth or power risked accusations of self-aggrandizement, as seen in the cautionary tale of Tarquinius' children. The elite in Rome had to keep a low profile, compete for magistracies, or leave the city, considering the high stakes and historical events that shaped their society.
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