BBC Radio Broadcast

The Roman Republic was supposedly the opposite of tyranny. After the Republic was established the Romans and they had freedom which greatly helped them to advance further in terms of power, becoming the pinnacle of power in the Mediterranean Basin and eventually conquering the world. This Republic bridged the 500 year gap between Roman tyranny and Roman emperors. They were trying to create a way to keep a state together without having a single person in power but rather to have many people do the separated jobs of a king. Greek writers 300 years later write about their observations of Rome and document the vague workings of the Roman Republic that once was. Rome began as a tiny city and with the help of the Republic flourished and multiplied across the globe. The Romans tell a story of heroism portrayed by Horatius that reflects Republic ideals of merging the heroes with the community. "To be a Roman citizen you must put Rome before your own life."

Hannibal played a part in exemplifying the Roman Republic's values and morals of never letting themselves be overcome in the war between him and Rome. Hannibal wiped out the largest army Rome had ever sent onto the battlefield and this led to barbaric acts performed by the Romans: sacrificing humans.

In militaristic terms the military of Rome thought more of its victories than of its defeats. This helps them grow as a city and empire by flourishing greatly after a victory but not taking it too hard after facing a tough loss. The Romans have a constitution that could have accounted for these mindsets.

Rome is an empire that can truly be said to have humble beginnings. Rome organized its government in a rare way without monarchical rule and it benefits them greatly. The distribution of power allowed Rome to flourish throughout the known world and helped Rome evade civil war. Rome became mixed up in global affairs and influences different places such as Italy and Carthage. The Roman Republic came and went and no doubt left a giant mark on the world and in the expanse of history.