Roman Political Life in the Second Century B.C

Roman political life in the second century B.C

Introduction

Rome is one of the most ancient civilizations that grew along the Mediterranean Sea on a peninsula of Italy that is shaped as the soul of a shoe, having it political and cultural centre in the city of Rome. This considered as one of the largest empire of the ancient world. There was a shift from monarchy to an aristocratic republic and then further transforming to autocratic empire. It ruled Southern and Western Europe, North Africa, Asia Minor, Balkans and few parts of Eastern Europe. Rome was a civilization that was highly modified and developed in diplomatic as well as military skills. Rome introduced as an organized government system called res publica, professionalizing its military class. This system still inspires many republics such as France and United States.

The empire enjoyed its territorial peak during times of Trajan. The Empire started to divide during the 5th century that is known as the medieval era or the dark ages of Europe due to attacks from migrated people and internal instability and conspires. Roman significantly contributed to the art, government systems, laws war, architecture, literature, technology, language and skills in the Western world.

Thesis statement:

The Roman political life in the second century B.C faced many rises and falls but was all in the interests of ordinary people.

Political background of Rome:

Initially the Rome was ruled under the king elected from principal tribes. He was considered as the chief executive of the senate. Kings had sovereign authority in the military matters. Similarly, there were three more administrative assemblies, as well. Senate was acting under the advisory of king, Comitia Curiata that had the authority and power to improve and confirm the law proposed by king, Comitia Calata that relates to the public affairs.

Roman civilization had many leaders that added to the empire and their names are worth mentioning for their contributions in the roman political system. The political life of the three leaders from the 2nd century is discussed and compared thoroughly, known as Marcus Porcius Cato (Cato the elder), Tiberius Sempronius Gracchus and Gaius Sempronius Gracchusis.

Introduction to the three political leaders:

Tiberius Sempronius Gracchus was born between 168 and 163 BC. He is one of the well known politicians of the second century and was the brother of Gaius Gracchus. He is known for his reforms of  agrarian legislation that become the reason of political chaos in the Republic. Roman senate murdered him along with his many supporters in 1933 BC. He belonged to Gracchi branch of the gens Sempronia. His family was regarded as one of the most connected families Rome in politics.

Gaius Sempronius Gracchus (154 BC - 121 BC) is a known Roman politician. He was elected to the seat of tribune in 123 and 122 BC. And reformative policies at the same time as in office incited a constitutional crisis and his death at the hands of the Roman Senate in 121.

Marcus Porcius Cato (234 BC,- 149 BC) was born in Tusculum. He was a Roman statesman, usually known as Sapiens (the Wise), Priscus (the Ancient), Censorius (the Censor), or Cato the Elder, in order to be differentiated from his grandson Cato the Younger. He was also the member of a Plebeian family. He was an antecedent and predecessor of Nero, who ...