10.2 Roman Government & Society

By Ocamps
  • Rome creates a Republic
    509 BCE

    Rome creates a Republic

    Rome created a Republic, a form of government wherein the citizens elected officials to serve a year in office, to replace the city's former monarchy. They did this to stop the abuse of power from one person.
  • 455 BCE

    Decemviri appointed to create a code of law

    Decemviri (Roman for a commission of ten men) produce a code of law sufficient enough to fill ten tablets.
  • Rome produces the Law of Twelve Tables
    450 BCE

    Rome produces the Law of Twelve Tables

    Prior to this, Rome had mostly unwritten laws and this angered many people who did not want to be punished for an unwritten law. This raised a call for written, accessible laws. Rome's first written laws were on 12 Bronze Tablets that were displayed in the forum. These laws protected the rights of the people, sometimes more specifically the Patricians.
  • 450 BCE

    The Second Decemviri is appointed.

    The plebeians were dissatisfied with the initial ten tablet code of laws, so a second decemviri was appointed and two more tablets were created.
  • Patricians make changes to Rome's Government.
    400 BCE

    Patricians make changes to Rome's Government.

    The Patricians made changes to Rome's government that were suited to include the Plebeians. They created offices for Plebeians, and the distinction separating them fades over time.
  • Rome develops a tripartite government.
    400 BCE

    Rome develops a tripartite government.

    The changes made by the Patricians resulted in a three part government. Two powerful magistrates called consuls ran the city and it's army, and other magistrates each had their own duty. The senate advised the magistrates and magistrates joined the senate after their year term. The assemblies were made up of both patricians and plebeians who elected magistrates, and the tribunes had the ability to veto (prohibit) the actions of other officials.
  • Period: 400 BCE to 200 BCE

    The Senate's Influence Grows

    The Senate began to grow in power and influence. By 200 B.C they influenced magistrates and controlled Rome's finances.