Senate

Definition

The Senate was one of the most powerful governing bodies in ancient Rome, originally formed during the early Republic as an advisory council composed mainly of aristocrats. Over time, it became central to the political structure, influencing legislation, finances, and foreign policy while representing the interests of the patrician class and later the plebeians.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Senate was established in 509 BCE and was initially composed of 300 members, all from the patrician class, reflecting the elite nature of early Roman governance.
2. During its existence, the Senate gained significant influence over military decisions, financial policies, and diplomatic relations with other states.
3. Senators served for life, which helped maintain continuity and stability in Roman politics but also led to entrenched power among the elite.
4. The Senate's role evolved over time, especially during periods like the Punic Wars when its decisions were critical for Rome's expansion and military strategy.
5. The decline of senatorial power began in the late Republic with figures like Julius Caesar and Augustus consolidating authority, paving the way for imperial rule.

Review Questions

• How did the composition and power of the Senate change from its establishment to the late Republic?
  • Initially, the Senate was made up solely of patricians, reflecting a power structure that favored aristocrats. However, over time, as political struggles emerged between patricians and plebeians, reforms allowed for more representation. The inclusion of tribunes and plebeian councils began to shift some power dynamics. By the late Republic, influential leaders could circumvent or manipulate senatorial authority for personal gain, indicating a significant change in its original purpose.
• Evaluate the Senate's role during the Punic Wars and how it influenced Roman expansion.
  • During the Punic Wars, the Senate played a crucial role in directing military strategies and allocating resources for Rome's campaigns against Carthage. Its decisions on military appointments and funding were pivotal in securing victories that expanded Roman territory. The increased demands of warfare also strengthened senatorial power as they were seen as essential for managing Rome's growing empire. This established a precedent for future conflicts where senatorial authority would directly impact Rome's military engagements.
• Analyze how Livy’s portrayal of the Senate in 'Ab Urbe Condita' reflects Roman values and societal expectations during his time.
  • Livy's 'Ab Urbe Condita' depicts the Senate as a bastion of traditional Roman virtues such as wisdom, justice, and moral integrity. He uses historical narratives to emphasize how senators were expected to act in the interest of Rome over personal ambition. Livy's writing illustrates societal expectations that senators should be exemplary figures who embody civic duty and governance. This portrayal serves not only as a historical account but also as a critique of contemporary political corruption and moral decay, urging readers to aspire to these founding ideals.

Related terms

Consuls:

The two highest elected officials in the Roman Republic who held executive authority and led the government, often consulting with the Senate on important matters.

Plebiscites: Legislation passed by the plebeians in the Roman Republic that required approval from the Senate to become law, illustrating the evolving power dynamics between social classes.

Patricians: The aristocratic class in Rome who originally held most of the power and influence in the Senate, often contrasted with the plebeian class.