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.

Answered by Classical Civilisation tutor

1621 Views

See similar Classical Civilisation A Level tutors

Related Classical Civilisation A Level answers

All answers ▸

To what extent are the roles of women in the Iliad important?


Who is considered to be the more effective King of the gods, Zeus (Iliad) or Jupiter (Aeneid)?


Why did the Romans in the East speak Greek rather than Latin?


Are the women in Greek tragedy less interesting than the men?


We're here to help

contact us iconContact ustelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

MyTutor is part of the IXL family of brands:

© 2026 by IXL Learning