{"id":9751,"date":"2023-10-23T08:10:15","date_gmt":"2023-10-23T07:10:15","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.learnancientrome.com\/?p=9751"},"modified":"2023-10-23T08:10:15","modified_gmt":"2023-10-23T07:10:15","slug":"when-were-assembly-senate-and-consuls-introduced-in-ancient-rome","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.learnancientrome.com\/when-were-assembly-senate-and-consuls-introduced-in-ancient-rome\/","title":{"rendered":"When Were Assembly Senate And Consuls Introduced In Ancient Rome"},"content":{"rendered":"
\n
\n

Around 1000 BC saw the introduction of the earliest form of the Roman Republic, with a system of government based on consensus and cooperation of the assembly senate and consuls, a unique system of governance that would shape the Roman civilization for centuries to come. To this day, it is still one of the most successful models of government known to man. Let us take a look into the past to explore the beginnings of this system and what it has contributed to today’s culture.<\/p>\n

The assembly senate and consuls were introduced in ancient Rome, around 509 BC, as a response to the rule of the Roman kings, who were overthrown in a plebeian revolt. This structure enabled the Roman citizens to co-rule the empire. In her book “The Roman Republic – The Classics of Ancient History”, Professor Sarah Brison explains: “In sharp contrast to its near neighbour Carthage, Ancient Rome was sculpted out of a republic whose primary focus was the protection and rights of the people as individuals.”<\/p>\n

In ancient Rome, the assembly senate was a large public gathering of tribal leaders and citizens, who would discuss and vote on important issues in order to ensure the welfare of the empire and its citizens. They would publicize their decisions and the proposed law measures, or plebiscites, on bronze tablets known as Tabula Annularia for all Roman citizens to access and debate. Two consuls served as the joint head of state, representing the will of the Romans in all decision-making. They were elected by popular vote and were legally obliged to work in the people’s best interests; if they behaved unethically, they could be impeached.<\/p>\n

The origins of the assembly senate and consuls system in ancient Rome helped form the basis for today’s democratic systems. It marked a turning point in history, away from oppressive rulers and towards consensus and cooperation among the people in government. “These principles remain central to democracy today”, says Professor Charles Davis, “including the principle that learning and discussion are vital to the success of any decision-making process.”<\/p>\n