Social Conflicts in the Roman Republic

by P.A. Brunt

In this book P. A. Brunt is concerned with social conflicts throughout the history of the Roman Republic. While his main emphasis is on the discontents of the rural and urban poor, he also discusses the internal struggles within the propertied class, for at times it was among sections of the propertied class, denied the political power or social esteem to which they aspired, that the poor found support against the narrow ruling oligarchy. The author holds that the discontents of the poor were a major cause of the fall of the Republic, but he also suggests in an epilogue that they gained relatively little from the monarchic system they had helped to found.

Genres: History, Ancient History, Roman History, Nonfiction, Classics, Ancient

180 pages, Paperback

First published April 1, 1971

Reviews

[angel · Rating 4 out of 5]

good class analysis of ancient rome. a lot of the history was interesting and cool, esp considering all they do in uni is spew military facts at you or talk about religious/cultural festivals.

[Rochu · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ameno resumen de los sucesos sociopolíticos de importancia al interior del territorio durante los siglos que ocupa la República romana, desde la caída de Lucio Tarquino hasta que Octavio César toma para sí el nombre de Augusto y se convierte en emperador.
No se ocupa demasiado de lo que pasa fuera de Roma, por más que la conquista y el sometimiento de las regiones vecinas sea una característica fundamental de su existencia, porque el propósito es analizar los conflictos sociales internos. Patricios contra plebeyos, Senadores y Ecuestres, optimates y populares, ricos y pobres, libres y esclavos, etc.
Como introducción al tema es muy útil.

[Bautista · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cómo no otro libro de la facultad. Este libro no es fácil de leer, o por lo menos no lo fue para mi, y requiere de paciencia y re-lectura constante. Las ideas principales que pude atrapar se debieron a explicaciones que mi profesor dio como una base a partir de la cual leer el texto.
A pesar de todo, un buen libro para ver los conflictos entre patricios-plebeyos, equites-nobilitas y optimates-populares.
Me pareció que el texto es complejo y quizás escogería otro texto para presentar dichos problemas. Para el conflicto de las órdenes seguiría prefiriendo el análisis de Duplá. En cuanto a los otros deberé buscar otros análisis que quizás sean más claros en lo explicativo o más llevaderos.
Quizás no tengo la capacidad para leer esta clase de textos o realmente es un texto difícil, a pesar de clásico. ¿Quién sabe?

[Timothy Finucane · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good short history of the primary social and political forces at work in the early Roman Republic. The book shows the clear divide between the wealthy and not so wealthy and the reactions of common plebs to laws produced by those who felt themselves more clearly privileged. Also describes the works of a few of the upper class to address the issues plaguing the poor, though these were usually done with their own self interest as the primary driver. The book concludes with the final source of conflicts that lead ultimately to the end of a republic and the rise of an empire under Augustus.

If the history of the early Roman Republic interests you then I recommend adding this book to your list of reading material.

[Bunny · Rating 3 out of 5]

Well written with a no-nonsense approach. Far too critical of other authors who have opposing ideas, however. There are some very long sentences that are so tenuous, that they lose the potency of excellent points and thought processes. But I guess that's an editing issue.

Otherwise a very good and detailed book of the Roman Republic. Recommend for your students that are new to the period.

[Phurbu Dolma]

good book.

[Michael Anderson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Helps to understand the political dynamics in Rome.

[David · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good course book on Rome.