In part six of Ancient Military History, the Roman Republic faces its greatest threat of all. From the same grit and determination that forged a superpower, grew the greed and thirst for control that would rot the Republic from the inside. The last century of the Republic saw a string of strong men step up and claim ever more power, eventually enabling people like Julius Caesar and Pompey Magnus to tear Rome apart in a series of civil wars.

This five-week class follows the struggles that brought down the Republic. We’ll start with social changes brought about by the lethargy of luxury, leading to opportunities for the most audacious Romans to seize glory. We’ll look at examples of their military exploits in the pursuit of power, and we’ll witness the lengths to which people like Gaius Marius and Julius Caesar will go to obtain it. We’ll see dictators, gladiator revolts, pirates and a lethal thirst for wealth. 

It’s the end of the Republic and the birth of the Empire.

Syllabus:
Week 1: Social Change — As wealth flowed into Rome, so did envy and a desire for change. Rising patrician wealth and a growing enslaved population led to a desperate middle class demanding change. In step the demagogues.

Week 2: The Jewel in the East — To Roman eyes, Asia sparkled like diamonds and gold, irresistible to any with the means to reach for it. Mithridates, king of Pontus, gave Rome the perfect excuse to make a play for the prize. 

Week 3: Civil War — The consul embroiled with Mithridates abroad, rival factions back home seize control of the city, plunging the Republic into civil war.

Week 4: Budding Rivalries — Prepared with uncanny ability and driven by the promise of power, Pompey Magnus rose to prominence with the surety of a man who has seen his destiny. Along the way he made powerful allies, as well as enemies, and stunned the Roman world and the annals of history with his military prowess.

Week 5: Veni Vidi Vici — With the support of a powerful alliance, the first triumvirate, Caesar set his gaze on the celts of Gaul. With cunning political acumen and lightning speed, Caesar tore through the countryside. Woe to those who would stand in his way.

Week 6: Alea Iacta Est — On the banks of the Rubicon, Caesar stood in a precarious place, weighing the odds. At the height of his accomplishment, he teetered on the precipice of his doom. Destiny could take him only so far. Now, it was up to fortune. He rolled the dice, and Rome exploded into another civil war. This would be the fight for the future of the Republic.