Rome, Blood & Politics: Reform, Murder and Popular Politics in the Late Republic, 133–70 BC

by Gareth C. Sampson

The last century of the Roman Republic saw the consensus of the ruling elite shattered by a series of high-profile politicians who proposed political or social reform programs, many of which culminated in acts of bloodshed on the streets of Rome itself. This began in 133 BC with the military recruitment reforms of Tiberius Gracchus, which saw him and his supporters lynched by a mob of angry Senators. He was followed by a series of radical politicians, each with their own agenda that challenged the status quo of the Senatorial elite. Each met a violent response from elements of the ruling order, leading to murder and even battles on the streets of Rome. These bloody political clashes paralyzed the Roman state, eventually leading to its collapse. Covering the period 133 - 70 BC, this volume analyzes each of the key reformers, what they were trying to achieve and how they met their end, narrating the long decline of the Roman Republic into anarchy and civil war.

Genres: History, Nonfiction

464 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 30, 2017

Reviews

[Jonathan · Rating 2 out of 5]

good well researched history

[Koeneman · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good book about the internal (and sometimes external) world of Roman politics. This goes from the period of the Gracchi brothers to the reforms of the dictator Sulla. A period with almost no (to none) sources but the writer still tries to tell the most probable story.

[Yoda · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Very Good History of the Time with Lessons for the Present

This book provides a very good history of the period covered. Dr. Sampson covers the topic from
the many perspectives of the differing (and sometimes contradictory) points of view of the ancient
historians who serve as the basis of our understanding of thesee times. Also, where appropriate, he
fills in any gaps with rational conjecture as to what may (or may not) have happened during this
period. The author also, quite justifiably, is careful to point out that the coverage provided by
the relevant historians does have, in many cases, problems (especially with respect to the biases
of the authors). He carefully points these out as opposed to the historian's writings at face
value (in this reviewer's opinion this is one of the best aspects of the book).

The author does a very good job at showing how Rome, even before the Gracchi, did have some
problems in terms of politicalviolence and the potentialof crisis. His book starts out by pointing
out what these pre-Gracchi episodes were and the systemic problems in the Roman politicalsystem in the first chapter of the book. The rest of the book follows the growing instability, starting with
the Gracchi and ending with the Sula's seizure of power after the third bout of violence by the
book's end as well as the post Sula years. It clearly shows how Rome went from its height of
institutional stability, around the end of the Last Punic War to politicalviolence during the time
of the Gracchi and exponentially increasing violence through the period of Sulla. Not only is a
narrative provided of the events but also, just as importantly if not more so, provides the
relevant historical perspective around each period covered as well as the causes of the political conflicts at the heart of these issues (i.e. agrarian reform, expanding Roman citizenship to the Latins, provision of subsidized/free food to the Landless, etc.). All and all a very encompassing history.

There are a few problems, however, with the book. For one, the role played by dire economic times
at the time of the politicalinstability of the Gracchi is only briefly mentioned instead of
discussed in more depth. Also, there is no discussion or analysis of any economic factors that Led
to subsequent bouts of the use of violence in the post-Gracchi period.These are only relatively
minor though.

It is remarkable how Rome went from its institutionalapex to the period of the Gracchi in only,
roughly, thirty years. Just remarkable. In addition, even though many of the factors that Lead to
these periods of violence are not prevalent in today's age, at Least Literally and directly (i.e.
lack of agriculturalland for the landless, etc.), there are similarities of an analogous nature
(i.e. large percentage of the workforce in the developed nations becoming redundant due to
automation and internationaltrade, etc.). This reminds one of three famous quotes on the importance of the study of history. One, by Winston Churchill was "the further in the past you look, the further into the future you can see". Aristotle said "A man without perspective has not value" and Cicero "A man who does not know what has happened before he was born is an ignoramus". This book provides a vivid illustration of why history needs to be studied, not only the past per se but for any lessons it has for the future.

[Kalman · Rating 3 out of 5]

Sampson provides a refreshing perspective on Sullan/Marian/Gracchan period of Roman History. In most academic versions of this period, Sulla is portrayed as the monsterous, murdering Republican and the Gracchi brothers as the noble, altruistic democrats just trying to help their fellow man (as if modern American politics could be applied here). Sampson, coming from a business background and being from England, is a bit more objective.

The storytelling itself was lacking, so if you are not eagerly desirous of the raw information, you may find the book tedious.

[Saleh · Rating 4 out of 5]

يدرس حصرا الأحداث السياسية الداخلية للفترة، مع إشارات لجوانب أخرى لها علاقة بسياق البحث، مع انه أكاديمي الا أن أسلوبه بسيط ويشرح النظام السياسي للفترة بصورة مفهومة بعيدا عن تطورة التاريخي.
تحليلاته جيدة بالمجمل.
يستحسن ما يكون أول كتاب يقرأ للفترة، تمنيت لو قريت المجلد الثاني ل scullard قبل وكنت فاهم السياق الأوسع للفترة.