What historical factors contributed to the demise of the Roman Republic?

The Roman Republic ended sometime between 49 BC and 27 BC; the first date being when Caesar crossed the Rubicon, which started the terminal civil wars of the Republic, and the second being Augustus’ formal “coronation” as princeps, and the first de facto emperor. The “demise of the Roman Republic” should be understood, in my opinion, as a political transformation, from a collaborative oligarchy to a monarchy. The factors that caused this demise must therefore have played a destabilizing role in the political culture in the Republic, that allowed that transformation to happen. These include the rise of “client armies”, after Marius’ reforms; the influx of new political ideas in the culturing melting pot that was the heart of a large empire; and the enormous new opportunities for wealth and power that exacerbated elite rivalry.

Related Classical Civilisation A Level answers

All answers ▸

‘Ascanius is more of a plot device than a fully realised character’ (20)


'The different ideologies between Athens and Sparta were the main cause of conflict in the Greek world during this period.' How far do the sources support this view?


How did the Roman hunting games express Roman imperial identity?


Is it fair to describe Augustus' foreign policy as a matter of aggressive expansionism?


We're here to help

contact us iconContact usWhatsapp logoMessage us on Whatsapptelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

© MyTutorWeb Ltd 2013–2025

Terms & Conditions|Privacy Policy
Cookie Preferences