8.16 The Republic Dies

Generations of Romans across nearly half a millennium had built up the Republic from a collection of hilltop villages into one of the most economically and militarily powerful civilizations of the ancient world. Around 20% of all humans on Earth lived under Roman law, the equivalent population of modern day India's 1.4 billion people. Only the Han Dynasty of China could rival them for strength, and yes, these two super powers not only knew of each other but had extensive trade relations. In a world of kings and tyrants, Rome stood alone with its representative version of democracy where the law was looked upon with near religious reverence. No Roman was above the Republic's laws.

It only took 3 generations for it to all come crumbling down. 

And in the consuming fires of those power struggles and civil wars the rest of the world realized the one thing more terrifying than facing the Republic's legions, when Romans waged war upon themselves. Borders, treaties, familial ties, traditions, and the law no longer mattered. Total control of Rome had become the prize and the Race of Honors was soon replaced with one new and terrifying office...

Emperor of Rome

Directions: Click on each stage of the Republic's collapse for information to help you complete the charts and questions on your worksheet.