In 120 BC, Rome was a city-state with functioning republican institutions that made room for a substantial element of democracy. It was also the dominant power in the Mediterranean World. By 20 AD, Rome was the capital of an autocratic empire that covered virtually the whole of the Mediterranean World and most of its surrounding territories. Between these dates, Rome saw the collapse of its ancient governing institutions in an orgy of political assassination, civil wars, purges, and military dictatorships.
Between January and March 2021, Sean Gabb explored this transformation with his students. Here are his lectures. All student contributions have been removed.
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Roman Republic to Empire: 01 Mistress of the Mediterranean
Roman Republic to Empire 02 The Carthaginian Curse
Roman Republic to Empire 03 Inequality and Corruption
Roman Republic to Empire 04 Slavery in the Roman Republic and Empire
Roman Republic to Empire 05 Decay into Violence
Roman Republic to Empire 06 Sulla A Failed Reaction
Roman Republic to Empire 07 Catiline, Cicero, Crassus, Pompey, Caesar the Death Spiral
Roman Republic to Empire 08 The Triumph of Caesar
Roman Republic to Empire 09 The Ides of March to Actium
Roman Republic to Empire 10 The Augustan Settlement