Free course · 6 lessons · 20–30 min
How the Roman Republic fell
A century of broken rules, from the Gracchi to Augustus.
What you’ll learn
Tell the story of how Rome went from elected officials to one-man rule, and name the unwritten rules that broke along the way.
Before you start
No history background needed. If you've heard of Julius Caesar, that's plenty.
Course outline
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Chapter 1
The rules start to bend
How Rome kept any one man from ruling, and the first time its politics turned deadly.
- A government built against kingsThe offices and unwritten rules that kept Rome from having a ruler.3 min
- The Gracchi and the first bloodTwo brothers try to give land to poor farmers, and the Senate answers with clubs.3 min
- Marius and the soldiers' generalA new man from the countryside wins seven consulships and an army that looks to him.3 min
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Chapter 2
Generals take the city
Sulla, Caesar, and Augustus, and how a republic ended while keeping its name.
- Sulla marches on RomeA consul turns his legions on the city, then rules by posting lists of names.3 min
- Caesar crosses the RubiconPompey and Caesar outgrow the system, and the Ides of March fail to bring it back.3 min
- Augustus keeps the nameCaesar's young heir ends the civil wars, keeps every old office, and rules them all.3 min