---
title: Roman Government
author: Donald L. Wasson
source: https://www.worldhistory.org/Roman_Government/
format: machine-readable-alternate
license: Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/4.0/)
updated: 2024-01-20
---

# Roman Government

_Authored by [Donald L. Wasson](https://www.worldhistory.org/user/DWasson/)_

Western [Civilization](https://www.worldhistory.org/civilization/) is forever indebted to the people of ancient [Greece](https://www.worldhistory.org/greece/) and [Rome](https://www.worldhistory.org/Rome/). Among the numerous contributions these societies made are in the fields of art, [literature](https://www.worldhistory.org/literature/) and [philosophy](https://www.worldhistory.org/philosophy/); however, perhaps their greatest gift to future generations was the modern perception of government. The contemporary idea of democracy, while borne out of the political struggles in the [city](https://www.worldhistory.org/city/) of [Athens](https://www.worldhistory.org/Athens/), came to fruition in the [Roman Republic](https://www.worldhistory.org/Roman_Republic/), surviving, despite the constant interference of the emperor, through the [Roman Empire](https://www.worldhistory.org/Roman_Empire/). Although the present definition of democracy has changed considerably, one must still recognize its early evolution in that eternal city, Rome.

### From Monarchy to Representation

The [Roman](https://www.worldhistory.org/disambiguation/Roman/) Republic emerged out of what one historian called “the ashes of the monarchy.” Years underneath the unyielding yoke of a king taught the people of Rome that they had to safeguard against the rule, and possible oppression, of one individual. The real authority or *imperium* of the republic, and later [empire](https://www.worldhistory.org/empire/), was to be divided among three basic elements - elected non-hereditary magistrates, a Senate to advise and consent, and popular assemblies. Unfortunately for many people in Rome, in the early stages of the Republic, power lay solely in the hands of the elite, the old landowning families or [patricians](https://www.worldhistory.org/Patrician/). The remainder and largest share of the city's population - the [plebeians](https://www.worldhistory.org/Plebeians/) - had few if any rights. This unequal division of power would not last very long.

### The Consuls

Instead of a king, and to guard against despotism, the new government chose consuls, two in number. These individuals were not elected by the populace but appointed by the popular assembly, the *Comitia Centuriata*. Each [consul](https://www.worldhistory.org/Consul/) served a one-year, non-consecutive, term, although he could serve a second or third term later. As both political and military heads of state, consuls possessed supreme executive power, commanding the army, presiding over the Senate, and proposing legislation; however, as a safeguard each consul had the ability to veto the other's decision - an *intercessio*. As a symbol of their authority, they wore a traditional woolen toga with a purple border, sat upon a special chair or *sella curulis*, and were attended by at least six special assistants or *lictors*. Their symbol was the *[fasces](https://www.worldhistory.org/Fasces/),* the bundle of rods and axe. At the end of their one-year term, they were held accountable to the popular assembly for any decisions made or actions taken. Many consuls would have their duties extended by becoming a proconsul, a governor of one of the many Roman provinces. Initially, while the position of consul was open only to patricians, plebeians became eligible in 367 BCE and by 342 BCE legislation dictated that one of the two consuls had to be a plebeian. Famous figures who served as consuls include [Julius Caesar](https://www.worldhistory.org/Julius_Caesar/), [Marcus Licinius Crassus](https://www.worldhistory.org/Marcus_Licinius_Crassus/), [Pompey the Great](https://www.worldhistory.org/pompey/), and [Mark Antony](https://www.worldhistory.org/Mark_Antony/).

[ ![Ancient Roman Society and Social Order](https://www.worldhistory.org/img/r/p/750x750/17368.png?v=1777068305-1744623412) Ancient Roman Society and Social Order Simeon Netchev (CC BY-NC-ND) ](https://www.worldhistory.org/image/17368/ancient-roman-society-and-social-order/ "Ancient Roman Society and Social Order")### The Senate

Unlike later parliamentary bodies, the [Roman Senate](https://www.worldhistory.org/Roman_Senate/) had little if any legislative authority, for that power wrested in the hands of the popular assemblies. Originally open only to the patricians, the Senate had what one might call “indirect” executive power called *auctoritas*. And, while it had no legal power, it still held significant influence, serving as an advisory body to the consuls and later emperors. Members of this conservative body were unpaid and served for life unless found guilty of public or private misconduct. Senators were forbidden to engage in banking or foreign [trade](https://www.worldhistory.org/disambiguation/trade/).

Throughout most of its existence, the Roman Senate remained the domain of the wealthy. And, while its ability to influence leadership decreased over time, especially under the reign of the emperors, membership in this hallowed institution varied. During the age of the kings when it served as a council or *patres et conscripti*, its number was firmly established at 100; however, later, under [Tiberius](https://www.worldhistory.org/Tiberius/) and Gaius [Gracchi](https://www.worldhistory.org/Gracchi_Brothers/) during the 2nd century BCE, the number was increased to 300. A century later, [Sulla](https://www.worldhistory.org/sulla/), who hoped to enact serious land reforms, would triple this sum when he enlarged the Senate to 900. While [Julius](https://www.worldhistory.org/disambiguation/Julius/) [Caesar](https://www.worldhistory.org/disambiguation/caesar/) would add another hundred, bringing the total to 1,000, Emperor [Augustus](https://www.worldhistory.org/augustus/) set its membership at 600.

While the Senate may have lacked any genuine legislative authority, it did have fundamental responsibilities that made its opinion essential to the functioning of Roman government. First of all, the senators not only discussed both domestic and foreign policy but supervised relations with foreign powers. They directed the religious life of Rome, and most importantly, controlled state finances. Initially, after the fall of the monarchy, senators were named by the consul, but, with the passing of the *Lex Ovinia* in the 4th century BCE, this power was transferred to the [censor](https://www.worldhistory.org/censor/), and it was the censor who could add new members. Sessions of the Senate were called by the magistrates, who would provide an agenda of the topics for discussion. And, since the meetings were held in private to avoid public scrutiny, unlimited freedom of speech allowed each senator to give his opinion or *senatus consultum*.

[ ![Government of the Roman Republic](https://www.worldhistory.org/img/r/p/750x750/18382.png?v=1765479665-1757912126) Government of the Roman Republic Simeon Netchev (CC BY-NC-ND) ](https://www.worldhistory.org/image/18382/government-of-the-roman-republic/ "Government of the Roman Republic")This power to influence the opinions of both the magistrates and public allowed a number of prominent senators to emerge and among these were [Cato the Elder](https://www.worldhistory.org/Cato_the_Elder/), his grandson [Cato the Younger](https://www.worldhistory.org/Cato_the_Younger/), [Marcus Junius Brutus](https://www.worldhistory.org/Marcus_Junius_Brutus/), and lastly, [Marcus Tullius Cicero](https://www.worldhistory.org/Cicero/). The first, Marcus Porcius, known to history as Cato the Elder or Cato the Censor, was a foremost orator and statesmen. Although remembered for his opinions on the Republic's declining morality, he is better known for his rant on the Senate floor during the final years of the [Punic Wars](https://www.worldhistory.org/Punic_Wars/). [Carthage](https://www.worldhistory.org/carthage/), he said, must be destroyed. “Carthago delenda est.” Of course, in the end, Rome would follow his suggestion and eventually raze the beaten city. Cato the Younger followed in his grandfather's footsteps. A supporter of [Pompey](https://www.worldhistory.org/pompey/) and vocal critic of Julius Caesar, he chose suicide rather than succumb to the dictator. Next, his son-in-[law](https://www.worldhistory.org/disambiguation/law/), Brutus, along with Senators Decimus, Cimber, and Gaius Trebonius, participated in the [assassination of Julius Caesar](https://www.worldhistory.org/article/803/the-assassination-of-julius-caesar/). And, finally, there was the famed orator, lawyer and politician [Cicero](https://www.worldhistory.org/Cicero/), another vocal critic of Caesar and idealistic defender of the Republic. Although not a participant in the murder of Caesar, he was a supporter of, and sought clemency for, [the assassins](https://www.worldhistory.org/The_Assassins/). Cicero escaped Rome but was pursued by Caesar's adopted son and heir [Octavian](https://www.worldhistory.org/augustus/) and murdered.

### The Assemblies

Instead of authority lying in the Senate, power to pass laws was given to a number of popular assemblies. First, there was the *Comitia Curiata*, a legislative body dating back to the days of the kings which evolved into the *Comitia Centuriata*. Next, representing the plebeians there was the *Concilium Plebis*, and, lastly, also dating back to the time of the monarchy, there were the various smaller tribal assemblies.

[ ![Inscription, Arch of Titus](https://www.worldhistory.org/img/r/p/750x750/1289.jpg?v=1737108849) Inscription, Arch of Titus Mark Cartwright (CC BY-NC-SA) ](https://www.worldhistory.org/image/1289/inscription-arch-of-titus/ "Inscription, Arch of Titus")Although many may not view these assembilies as truly democratic, until the emergence of the empire they held the power of the people in their hands. After the fall of the monarchy, the original *Comitia Curiata*, representing the three major tribes, lost the right to enact laws but retained, temporarily, the power of *lex* *curita de imperio* - the authority to confirm the naming of the magistrates; it also witnessed the appointment of priests, adoptions and wills. However, over time, it became largely ceremonial, and in its place the very conservative *Comitia Centuriata* - another wealth-based assembly- emerged. The membership of this new body was divided into centuries (one hundred men), 193 in total. Each century voted as a block; therefore, the wealthier centuries outvoted the “poorer” ones. Unlike the other assemblies, who met in the Forum, the *Centuriata* met on the Campus Marcus or Field of [Mars](https://www.worldhistory.org/Mars/) outside the city. Its duties included electing various magistrates (consuls, praetors, and censors), enacting laws, declaring [war](https://www.worldhistory.org/disambiguation/War/) and peace, and invoking the [death](https://www.worldhistory.org/disambiguation/Death/) penalty on Romans who were arraigned on political charges.

Aside from the *Centuriata*, there were the *Concilium Plebis* or the Council of the Plebs and the *Comita* *Tributa* or tribal assemblies. As stated earlier, the Council of the Plebs emerged from the Conflict of Orders and represented the concerns of the plebeians. Like the other assemblies, they voted along tribal lines with each tribe having one vote. They enacted laws or plebiscites that pertained initially to the plebeians but eventually became binding to all citizens. They named tribunes or *tribuni plebis* and held trials for non-capital offenses. Each plebeian was required by law to take an oath, a *pomerium*, to support the decisions of the tribunes.

Next, there were tribal assemblies which consisted of both patricians and plebeians. These assemblies were divided into the 35 tribes, based on one's ancestors, and could be summoned by a consul, [praetor](https://www.worldhistory.org/praetor/) or [tribune](https://www.worldhistory.org/Tribune/). They dealt with minor public business and elected quaestors, aediles, and military tribunes. They also voted on legislation put forth by the magistrates and served as a court of appeals on non-capital cases.

During the time of the Republic, these various assemblies were the voice of the citizens of Rome, and although not fully democratic in the modern definition of the word, they allowed at least some portion of the Roman citizenry to be heard. Their essential role in Roman government was crucial enough that the army inscribed on their military standards the letters SPQR - *Senatus Populusque Romanus* or Senate and Roman people.

[ ![Roman Citizen Voting](https://www.worldhistory.org/img/r/p/500x600/6075.jpg?v=1778143202-1778143202) Roman Citizen Voting Mark Cartwright (CC BY-NC-SA) ](https://www.worldhistory.org/image/6075/roman-citizen-voting/ "Roman Citizen Voting")### The Tribunes & The Rule of Law

Initially, as one might have gathered, the real authority of the republic lay in the hands of the patricians; however, this power could not and would not remain. The plebians, who comprised the majority of the army and did most of the real work, rebelled, going on strike and demanding an equal voice in the government. Out of this struggle came the Conflict of Order, a class “war” that lasted from 494 to 287 BCE. It was a fight that brought about significant change: a plebeian assembly, the *Concilium Plebis*. Through this new congress, the plebeians could elect tribunes who, like consuls, served for one year. Their primary function was to safeguard plebeian rights against [patrician](https://www.worldhistory.org/Patrician/) abuse. Their duties were in many ways similar to that of the consuls; however, they could veto any magistrate decision as it related to the plebeians. Later, to further protect the rights of the plebians, the [Twelve Tables](https://www.worldhistory.org/Twelve_Tables/) also called the Ten plus the Two was enacted as the first record of [Roman law](https://www.worldhistory.org/Roman_Law/) - there had never been a written constitution in Rome. By the 4th century BCE all citizens had the right of *provocatio populum* - the right to appeal the decision of a magistrate, and by 287 BCE the *Lex Hotensia* stated that laws passed by the *Concilium Plebis* were binding to all people, even patricians.

### The Magistrates - Praetors, Quaestors & Aediles

In the early years of the Republic the consuls realized that they needed lesser magistrates to oversee various administrative functions - some of these offices had existed under the king. Many individuals would later use these lesser positions as a path to a consulship. This “path” was called the *cursus honorum*. First among these “lesser” magistrates were the praetors who were the only ones besides the consuls to hold imperium power with the authority to not only preside over the Senate but also command the army. Besides serving when the consuls were away, their official function was to oversee the judicial duties of the Republic, holding both civic and provincial jurisdiction.

Then there were the quaestors, the financial officers, holding power of *quaestores aerarii* or control of the treasury located in the Forum of Rome. They collected both taxes and tributes. Another important individual was the [aedile](https://www.worldhistory.org/Aedile/). Initially appointed to administer the temples, his duties expanded throughout the early years of the Republic (he disappeared with the onset of the empire). This official had a multitude of responsibilities such as supervising public records and managing public works (i.e. roads, water and food supply) as well as the markets, festivals and games. In addition, since the members of the Senate and *Concilium Plebis* wanted to keep their proceedings a secret from public scrutiny, the aediles had custody of their records.

[ ![Temple of Saturn, Rome](https://www.worldhistory.org/img/r/p/750x750/1080.jpg?v=1767242961) Temple of Saturn, Rome Elias Rovielo (CC BY-NC-SA) ](https://www.worldhistory.org/image/1080/temple-of-saturn-rome/ "Temple of Saturn, Rome")### The Censors & Magister Populi

Next, there was the censor - often these officials were former consuls. The position was viewed as the pinnacle of an individual's career. Under the king and later the Republic, this person not only oversaw public morality but took the census, registering both citizens and their property. He was elected every four to five years and held the position for only eighteen months. The position was popular with many former consuls because it came with several unique benefits. Besides taking the census, he could censure a person or even disqualify him from voting. The censor also approved all public works contracts. One of the more notable of the early censors was Appius [Claudius](https://www.worldhistory.org/claudius/) who not only sanctioned the first [aqueduct](https://www.worldhistory.org/aqueduct/) but commissioned the Appian Way, the road from Rome to Capua. Another, Cato the Elder, believed that Rome was declining morally and as a result expelled several Roman senators because of their supposed bad behavior.

Lastly, one must not overlook a unique if not rare “public” official - the dictator or *magister populi*. In times of extreme emergency, this person was appointed to serve for six months; however, during this period he held complete authority. The last person to hold this position was Julius Caesar - he was named by the Senate to serve for life. Unfortunately for Caesar, “life” lasted only until the Ides of March. His death brought the end of the Republic.

### The Emperors

As Rome expanded its borders northward into [Gaul](https://www.worldhistory.org/gaul/), further east into Asia, and southward into [Africa](https://www.worldhistory.org/disambiguation/africa/), the government of the Republic was unable to cope and so entered the first emperor, Augustus, and the birth of an empire. Under the authority of the emperor, the popular assemblies all but disappeared and the Senate became more and more ceremonial. They would only really endorse the wishes of the emperor. Augustus held supreme executive authority, awarded by the Senate, and granted powers beyond that of either a consul or tribune - *consular imperium* and *tribunicia potestates* - with the ability to not only introduce legislation and veto laws but also command the army. With the consent of the Senate, Augustus took the title of *princeps* meaning “first citizen.” He assumed the title of consul and provincial governor which gave him control of a majority of the military. He controlled the imperial patronage and no one could hold office without his consent. To maintain authority and to protect himself from his own “Ides of March,” he created the [Praetorian Guard](https://www.worldhistory.org/Praetorian_Guard/). Several emperors such as [Caligula](https://www.worldhistory.org/Caligula/)'s uncle Claudius were “named” by the Praetorian Guard - rubber-stamped by the Senate. While one should remember that the emperor Caligula was also removed by the same Praetorian Guard.

[ ![Augustus, Bronze Equestrian Statue](https://www.worldhistory.org/img/r/p/500x600/681.jpg?v=1637071203) Augustus, Bronze Equestrian Statue Mark Cartwright (CC BY-NC-SA) ](https://www.worldhistory.org/image/681/augustus-bronze-equestrian-statue/ "Augustus, Bronze Equestrian Statue")Augustus also interfered with the [religion](https://www.worldhistory.org/religion/) of the empire. In his attempt to cleanse the reclining morality of Rome he chose to resurrect the old “religion” by rebuilding decaying temples, reviving old religious ceremonies and assuming the title of *Pontifex Maximus* or Chief Priest. To the average citizen, he was the father of the country or *pater patriae*. This almost worship of the emperor would ultimately morph into the imperial cult. During the empire, the duty of the government was simple - to maintain peace and order, the *[Pax Romana](https://www.worldhistory.org/Pax_Romana/)* or Roman Peace.

### Conclusion

The Roman government of the old Republic had created a unique system of the division of power which was a safeguard against oppression by any single individual. Power, for the most part, lay with a voting public. While not perfect by any definition of the word, it allowed some of the people to have a say in how their government operated. There were elected officials and a representative body. Of course, as long as there were games, festivals, and grain, the average Roman citizen was happy. Under the emperor, the government changed and the emperor became the ultimate decision maker, he had the last word. Considering the context of ancient times and contemporary forms of government, and taking into account its albeit limited representative elements, Rome must, nevertheless, remain an outstanding example of a successful ancient government.

#### Editorial Review

This human-authored definition has been reviewed by our editorial team before publication to ensure accuracy, reliability and adherence to academic standards in accordance with our [editorial policy](https://www.worldhistory.org/static/editorial-policy/).

## Bibliography

- [Baker, S. *Ancient Rome.* BBC Books, 2006.](https://www.worldhistory.org/books/1846072840/)
- [Boardman, J. *The Oxford Dictionary of the Classical World Edition \[2007\].* Oxford University Press, USA.](https://www.worldhistory.org/books/B00DT6BNTO/)
- [Clark, G. *Late Antiquity.* Oxford University Press, 2011.](https://www.worldhistory.org/books/0199546207/)
- [Grant, M. *Civilization of the Ancient Mediterranean& Rome.* MacMillan Publishing Company., 1988.](https://www.worldhistory.org/books/0684188651/)
- [Gwynn, D.M. *The Roman Republic.* Oxford University Press, 2012.](https://www.worldhistory.org/books/0199595119/)
- [Heather, P. *The Fall of the Roman Empire.* Oxford University Press, 2006.](https://www.worldhistory.org/books/0195325419/)
- [Hill, D. *Ancient Rome.* Parragon Inc, 2007.](https://www.worldhistory.org/books/B005SN6VDE/)
- [Hornblower, S. *The Oxford Classical Dictionary.* Oxford University Press, 2012.](https://www.worldhistory.org/books/0199545561/)
- [McGeough, K.M. *The Romans.* Oxford University Press, 2009.](https://www.worldhistory.org/books/0195379861/)
- [Quaestor](https://www.ancient.eu "Quaestor"), accessed 15 May 2020.
- [Rodgers, N. *Roman Empire.* Metro Books, 2015.](https://www.worldhistory.org/books/1435104552/)
- [Romilly Boak, A.E. *A History of Rome to A.D. 565.* Prentice Hall College Div, 1977.](https://www.worldhistory.org/books/0024108006/)
- [Scarre, C. *Chronicle of the Roman Emperors.* Thames & Hudson, 1995.](https://www.worldhistory.org/books/B004PG03S4/)

## About the Author

Donald has taught Ancient, Medieval and U.S. History at Lincoln College (Normal, Illinois)and has always been and will always be a student of history, ever since learning about Alexander the Great. He is eager to pass knowledge on to his students.

## Timeline

- **753 BCE**: The legendary founding date of [Rome](https://www.worldhistory.org/Rome/).
- **750 BCE - 510 BCE**: The (semi-mythological) seven kings of [Rome](https://www.worldhistory.org/Rome/): [Romulus](https://www.worldhistory.org/Romulus_and_Remus/), Numa Pompilius, Tulus Hostilius, Ancus Marcius, Lucius Tarquinius Priscus, Servius Tullius, [Lucius Tarquinius Superbus](https://www.worldhistory.org/Lucius_Tarquinius_Superbus/).
- **509 BCE**: Foundation of the [Roman Republic](https://www.worldhistory.org/Roman_Republic/).
- **494 BCE**: Traditional date the office of the tribuni plebis is created in [Rome](https://www.worldhistory.org/Rome/).
- **450 BCE**: The number of [Roman](https://www.worldhistory.org/disambiguation/Roman/) quaestors is increased to four and made open to plebians.
- **450 BCE**: The laws of the '[Twelve Tables](https://www.worldhistory.org/Twelve_Tables/)', the basis of [Roman law](https://www.worldhistory.org/Roman_Law/), are compiled.
- **449 BCE**: The Valerio-Horatian Laws establishes the tribal assemblies in [Rome](https://www.worldhistory.org/Rome/).
- **443 BCE**: The position of [censor](https://www.worldhistory.org/censor/) is created in [Rome](https://www.worldhistory.org/Rome/).
- **c. 440 BCE**: [Roman](https://www.worldhistory.org/disambiguation/Roman/) quaestors are chosen by the assembly rather than the consuls.
- **367 BCE**: [Law](https://www.worldhistory.org/disambiguation/law/) passed enabling [Roman](https://www.worldhistory.org/disambiguation/Roman/) plebians to become consuls.
- **367 BCE**: Position of [aedile](https://www.worldhistory.org/Aedile/) curule added for the [patricians](https://www.worldhistory.org/Patrician/) of [Rome](https://www.worldhistory.org/Rome/).
- **367 BCE**: The Licino-Sextian rogations establish the office a third [praetor](https://www.worldhistory.org/praetor/); the original two are renamed consuls.
- **366 BCE**: First [Roman](https://www.worldhistory.org/disambiguation/Roman/) plebian [consul](https://www.worldhistory.org/Consul/) named.
- **339 BCE**: The leges Publilae decrees that one of [Rome](https://www.worldhistory.org/Rome/)'s two censors must be a plebeian.
- **c. 287 BCE**: The Lex Hotensia states that laws passed in [Rome](https://www.worldhistory.org/Rome/) by the Concilium Plebis are binding to all people, even [patricians](https://www.worldhistory.org/Patrician/).
- **180 BCE**: The Lex Villia Annalis sets the minimum age of each magistracy in the [Roman government](https://www.worldhistory.org/Roman_Government/).
- **131 BCE**: Two [plebeians](https://www.worldhistory.org/Plebeians/) hold the two positions of [censor](https://www.worldhistory.org/censor/) for the first time in [Rome](https://www.worldhistory.org/Rome/).
- **106 BCE**: [Roman](https://www.worldhistory.org/disambiguation/Roman/) statesman and orator [Cicero](https://www.worldhistory.org/Cicero/) is born.
- **12 Jul 100 BCE - 15 Mar 44 BCE**: Life of Gaius [Julius Caesar](https://www.worldhistory.org/Julius_Caesar/), founder of the [Roman Empire](https://www.worldhistory.org/Roman_Empire/).
- **81 BCE**: [Sulla](https://www.worldhistory.org/sulla/) significantly curbs the powers of the [Roman](https://www.worldhistory.org/disambiguation/Roman/) tribuni plebis.
- **70 BCE**: [Pompey](https://www.worldhistory.org/pompey/) and [Crassus](https://www.worldhistory.org/Marcus_Licinius_Crassus/) are made consuls.
- **70 BCE**: The powers of the tribuni plebis in [Rome](https://www.worldhistory.org/Rome/) are reinstated.
- **65 BCE**: [Julius Caesar](https://www.worldhistory.org/Julius_Caesar/) becomes [aedile](https://www.worldhistory.org/Aedile/) curule in [Rome](https://www.worldhistory.org/Rome/).
- **60 BCE - 53 BCE**: [First Triumvirate](https://www.worldhistory.org/First_Triumvirate/)' between [Caesar](https://www.worldhistory.org/disambiguation/caesar/), [Pompey](https://www.worldhistory.org/pompey/) and [Crassus](https://www.worldhistory.org/Marcus_Licinius_Crassus/).
- **55 BCE**: [Marcus Licinius Crassus](https://www.worldhistory.org/Marcus_Licinius_Crassus/) is made [consul](https://www.worldhistory.org/Consul/) for the second time and departs on campaign in [Parthia](https://www.worldhistory.org/disambiguation/Parthia/).
- **44 BCE**: [Caesar](https://www.worldhistory.org/disambiguation/caesar/) becomes dictator for life. On the 'Ides of March' (15th) he is killed by conspirators including Brutus and Cassius. [Octavian](https://www.worldhistory.org/augustus/), son of Caesar's niece Atia, is posthumously adopted as his heir.
- **43 BCE**: [Roman](https://www.worldhistory.org/disambiguation/Roman/) statesman and orator [Cicero](https://www.worldhistory.org/Cicero/) dies.
- **43 BCE - 36 BCE**: [Second Triumvirate](https://www.worldhistory.org/Second_Triumvirate/): [Antony](https://www.worldhistory.org/Mark_Antony/), [Octavian](https://www.worldhistory.org/augustus/), and Lepidus (official approval by the [Roman Senate](https://www.worldhistory.org/Roman_Senate/)). Mass proscriptions including [Cicero](https://www.worldhistory.org/Cicero/).
- **42 BCE**: [Octavian](https://www.worldhistory.org/augustus/) and [Antony](https://www.worldhistory.org/Mark_Antony/) defeat Republicans under Brutus and Cassius at the [Battle](https://www.worldhistory.org/disambiguation/battle/) of [Philippi](https://www.worldhistory.org/Philippi/) ([Greece](https://www.worldhistory.org/greece/)).
- **27 BCE**: [Octavian](https://www.worldhistory.org/augustus/) is given extraordinary powers and the name [Augustus](https://www.worldhistory.org/augustus/) by the [Roman Senate](https://www.worldhistory.org/Roman_Senate/).
- **c. 23 BCE**: [Augustus](https://www.worldhistory.org/augustus/) takes over most of the powers of the tribuni plebis.
- **22 BCE**: The last [censor](https://www.worldhistory.org/censor/) is elected in [Rome](https://www.worldhistory.org/Rome/).
- **68 CE - 69 CE**: [Year of the Four Emperors](https://www.worldhistory.org/Year_of_the_Four_Emperors/): Civil [war](https://www.worldhistory.org/disambiguation/War/) in [Rome](https://www.worldhistory.org/Rome/).
- **212 CE**: [Roman citizenship](https://www.worldhistory.org/article/859/roman-citizenship/) granted to all inhabitants of the [empire](https://www.worldhistory.org/empire/).
- **285 CE**: The [Roman empire](https://www.worldhistory.org/Roman_Empire/) is split into the Western and Eastern [Roman](https://www.worldhistory.org/disambiguation/Roman/) empires.

## External Links

- [Five Dictators Of Rome](http://onpoint.wbur.org/2016/01/20/rome-dictators-nero-history)

## Cite This Work

### APA
Wasson, D. L. (2015, November 29). Roman Government. *World History Encyclopedia*. [https://www.worldhistory.org/Roman\_Government/](https://www.worldhistory.org/Roman_Government/)
### Chicago
Wasson, Donald L.. "Roman Government." *World History Encyclopedia*, November 29, 2015. [https://www.worldhistory.org/Roman\_Government/](https://www.worldhistory.org/Roman_Government/).
### MLA
Wasson, Donald L.. "Roman Government." *World History Encyclopedia*, 29 Nov 2015, [https://www.worldhistory.org/Roman\_Government/](https://www.worldhistory.org/Roman_Government/).

## License & Copyright

Submitted by [Donald L. Wasson](https://www.worldhistory.org/user/DWasson/ "User Page: Donald L. Wasson"), published on 29 November 2015. The copyright holder has published this content under the following license: [Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike](https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/4.0/deed.en). This license lets others remix, tweak, and build upon this content non-commercially, as long as they credit the author and license their new creations under the identical terms. When republishing on the web a hyperlink back to the original content source URL must be included. Please note that content linked from this page may have different licensing terms.