Fall of the Roman Republic: From Sulla's March on Rome to Caesar's Assassination

'tis but a scratch: fact and fiction about the Middle Ages

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This is the second of a three part series about the fall of the Roman Republic. My cohost for all three episodes is Dr. Jennifer Paxton of the Catholic University of America. We actually had been planning only two episodes, but the story is long and detailed, so we thought that three would be best. In episode one, Jenny and I explained the workings of the Roman Republic and the military, economic, and cultural factors that undermined its stability in the late second and first century B.C.. In it we examined how and why Rome's acquisition of a Mediterranean based empire undermined the foundations of its republican constitution. Among the topics covered in that episode are: the Roman class system and how it shaped Roman political institutions; the patron-client relationship; Roman just war theory; the land reform program of the Gracchi brothers; Marius' unprecedented six consulships; and the fracturing of the ruling elite in the Optimates, supporters of senatorial privilege, and the Populares, who sought to check the senate by appealing to the popular assemblies; This episode picks up where the last one left off, beginning with Sulla's march on Rome in 99 B.C. and ending with the assassination of Julius Caesar on the idea of March, 44 B.C.. The third and final episode completes the story, culminating in the establishment of the "Principate" by Octavian Augustus, an autocracy masquerading as a republic.

Listen on Podurama https://podurama.com

Intro and exit music are by Alexander Nakarada
If you have questions, feel free to contact me at [e-mail]