How was the early Roman Republic founded?
I like the story of Romulus and Remus.
http://www.ducksters.com/history/ancient_rome/romulus_and_remus.php
But this is a more factual account.
http://www.ancient.eu/Roman_Republic/
Thank you very much. Extremely helpful. Thank's again.
You're very welcome.
The early Roman Republic was founded in 509 BCE, following the overthrow of the Roman monarchy. To understand how it was founded, we need to look at the historical context.
Step 1: Background
Before the Roman Republic, Rome was ruled by Etruscan kings, who were seen as foreign oppressors by the Roman aristocracy and common people. King Tarquinius Superbus, the last Etruscan king, was a particularly unpopular ruler, which led to his overthrow.
Step 2: The of Lucretia
The event that served as a catalyst for the foundation of the Roman Republic was the of Lucretia. According to legend, Lucretia was a Roman noblewoman who was married to Tarquinius Collatinus. Sextus Tarquinius, the son of King Tarquinius Superbus, assaulted and Lucretia. Following the attack, Lucretia revealed the crime to her husband and father, and then took her own life out of shame. This act of violence was seen as a symbol of the tyrannical rule of the Etruscan kings, sparking a desire for change and revenge among the Roman nobility.
Step 3: The Overthrow of the Monarchy
The prominent nobles, led by Lucius Junius Brutus and Lucius Tarquinius Collatinus, rallied the people against King Tarquinius Superbus. They accused the king of condoning his son's actions and called for the end of the monarchy. With the support of the common people, a revolt took place, eventually leading to the exile of King Tarquinius Superbus and the abolishment of the Roman monarchy in 509 BCE.
Step 4: The Establishment of the Republic
Following the overthrow, power was transferred to two elected consuls, including Brutus himself. This marked the establishment of the Roman Republic. The consuls were responsible for the executive and military functions of the state. Additionally, two other major governmental bodies were established: the Senate and the Centuriate Assembly. The Senate was composed of elder statesmen who advised the consuls, while the Centuriate Assembly was made up of Roman citizens who voted on important matters.
In summary, the early Roman Republic was founded through a revolt against the rule of the Etruscan kings, sparked by the of Lucretia. This led to the overthrow of King Tarquinius Superbus and the establishment of a new government with consuls, a Senate, and the Centuriate Assembly.