The Breakdown of the Roman Republic: From Oligarchy to Empire

by Christopher S. Mackay

In this book, Christopher Mackay recounts the last century of the Roman Republic in a readable, narrative treatment. Within this narrative he analyzes the breakdown of the traditional Republican form of government as a result of the administrative and political crises brought about by the Roman conquest of the Mediterranean basin in the Middle Republic. He also shows how the many reforms instituted by Augustus, which effectively created the new imperial form of government, were a reaction to the failings of the Republic. Illustrated with an extensive collection of coin images that document the changes in contemporary political ideology, this volume also focuses on the political significance of the key personalities, including Marius, Sulla, and Caesar, who played a large role in the events that lead to the demise of the Roman Republic.

Genres: History, Nonfiction

462 pages, Hardcover

First published August 1, 2009

Reviews

[Jhan · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's a great book, it's a narrative that beggings with the Grachi brothers and ends with an explanation on how Augustus founded his dynasty and how this changed the republic into the empire and also why this was necessary. Detailed and easy to read.