The Roman Republic Is Founded

What happened

According to tradition, the Romans expelled their last king, the Etruscan Lucius Tarquinius Superbus, and replaced the monarchy with a republic. Power passed to two consuls elected each year and to the Senate, with institutions designed to prevent any one man from ruling as king.

Why it matters

The Republic's system of elected magistrates and senatorial government shaped Rome for nearly five centuries and influenced later constitutional thought.

How we know

The early Republican narrative survives mainly through later Roman historians such as Livy and blends history with tradition.

Sources

• World History Encyclopedia. Roman Republic · Reputable source