Founding of the Roman Republic
Romans overthrew their last king and created a republic governed by elected officials and the Senate.
According to tradition, Romans expelled the tyrannical King Tarquin the Proud around 509 BCE and swore never again to be ruled by a king. They established a republic (res publica, "public affair") in which citizens elected two consuls each year, debated laws in assemblies, and sought advice from the Senate. The conflict between patricians and plebeians eventually produced the Twelve Tables, Rome's first published laws. The republican system lasted nearly five centuries before civil wars brought dictators and emperors.
Key Takeaways
Ended the Roman monarchy and created shared, elected leadership
Laid foundations for Senate, consuls, and written law
Republican ideals later inspired the American Founders