Republican period

Definition

The republican period of Rome refers to the era from 509 BCE, when the last king was overthrown, until 27 BCE, when Augustus became the first emperor. This time was marked by a complex political system that included elected officials, a Senate, and popular assemblies, allowing for a mix of democracy and oligarchy that greatly influenced Roman art and culture.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. During the republican period, Rome expanded its territory significantly through military conquests and alliances, establishing itself as a dominant power in the Mediterranean.
2. Roman art during this time often reflected Republican values such as realism and practicality, with sculptures and portraits emphasizing verism, which showcased age and experience.
3. The construction of important public buildings and infrastructure, such as temples and roads, flourished during this era, highlighting Roman engineering and architectural innovations.
4. The republican period saw significant social struggles between the patricians (aristocratic families) and plebeians (commoners), leading to reforms that shaped political representation.
5. Artisans and craftsmen flourished under the Republic as trade grew, resulting in a blend of cultural influences from conquered territories reflected in pottery, mosaics, and other art forms.

Review Questions

• How did the political structure of the republican period influence Roman artistic expression?
  • The political structure of the republican period allowed for a mix of aristocratic and popular influences, which deeply impacted artistic expression. With power shared between elected officials and the Senate, artists often depicted realistic portrayals of their subjects to reflect values of duty and service. This emphasis on realism is evident in Republican sculptures where age and wisdom were celebrated, creating a distinct style that communicated the political ideals of civic responsibility.
• In what ways did social conflicts between patricians and plebeians during the republican period affect Roman art and culture?
  • The social conflicts between patricians and plebeians led to significant cultural shifts during the republican period. As plebeians gained more political rights through reforms, their influence began to be reflected in art and culture. This shift encouraged a wider range of subjects in art beyond elite figures to include everyday life scenes and representations of common people, thus enriching Roman culture with diverse perspectives.
• Evaluate how military expansion during the republican period contributed to changes in Roman art styles and techniques.
  • Military expansion during the republican period significantly influenced Roman art styles and techniques by introducing new cultural elements from conquered territories. As Rome expanded into Greece and other regions, artists began to adopt Hellenistic styles that emphasized idealized forms and dynamic compositions. This blending resulted in innovative approaches to sculpture and painting that merged realism with classical ideals, ultimately enriching Roman artistic heritage and setting the stage for future developments in imperial art.

Related terms

Senate: The Senate was a political institution in ancient Rome that served as a governing body, primarily composed of aristocrats who advised consuls and shaped legislation.

Consuls: Consuls were the highest elected officials in the Roman Republic, typically two were elected annually to lead the government and command the army.

Plebiscite: A plebiscite was a direct vote in which all members of the electorate could participate, allowing the common people to influence legislation in the Roman Republic.