In 509 BCE, with the exit of the last Etruscan king, Lucius Tarquinius Superbus, the Roman people were presented with a unique opportunity, an opportunity that would eventually have an immense impact on the rest of Europe for centuries to come: the chance to create a new government, a republic. Although most rights were restricted to an elite patrician class, this new government would have three-branches: a centuriate assembly, a Senate (whose only purpose was to serve in an advisory capacity), and two co-executives, called consuls. The idea of co-consuls meant no one individual could abuse the executive power. A consul, elected through the assembly, had the power of a king, power albeit restricted by his one-year term and the authority of the other consul. Although not a true democracy by the modern definition, the Roman Republic appeared somewhat representative.
More about: ConsulDefinition
Timeline
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450 BCEThe laws of the 'Twelve Tables', the basis of Roman law, are compiled.
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367 BCELaw passed enabling Roman plebians to become consuls.
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366 BCEFirst Roman plebian consul named.
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222 BCEMarcus Claudius Marcellus is made consul for the first time.
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215 BCEMarcus Claudius Marcellus is made consul.
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214 BCEMarcus Claudius Marcellus is made consul.
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210 BCEMarcus Claudius Marcellus is made consul.
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208 BCEMarcus Claudius Marcellus is made consul for the fifth time.
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70 BCEPompey and Crassus are made consuls.
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55 BCEMarcus Licinius Crassus is made consul for the second time and departs on campaign in Parthia.
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12 CEGermanicus is made consul for the first time.
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18 CERoman general Germanicus is made consul for the second time.