- Historia Romae by Titus Livius Scotarius -

The years up to, and including, the Syrian War of 188 BC were a test of Rome's will to survive. During that time, the young Republic managed to assert herself as a major power in the region. In order to do so, two major powers and several lesser ones were confronted and subdued. While the mighty trading state of Carthage, under the direction of Hannibal, had showed signs of dominating the peninsula, Rome's economic power and sheer determination eventually won out. Similarly, Philip V of Macedon tried in vein to follow in his ancestor's footsteps. The legions of Rome left Carthage and Macedon mere shadows of their former selves.

While the legions of Rome had shown their dominance, the Republic underwent various political tests as well. The outward pressures exerted by Rome's enemies resulted in numerous efforts by Senators to work for the common good. The Senate of Rome, while having no legal power, had shown itself capable of leading Rome to glory. As a result, the Populus Romanus was content to leave the reigns of power in the hands of Rome's elite.

Despite her gains, the young Republic's fate was still uncertain. The spoils of war left Rome with various provinces to attend to, and the possibility of tension from within remained ever present. Aside from domestic concerns, the armies of Carthage and Macedon were still formidable despite their losses, and the Republic's inevitable expansion was certain to give rise to new enemies. With all of that confronting Rome, it was unclear whether the city-state was prepared to deal with the demands of a growing empire. Only time would tell if the descendants of the great Scipio Africanus, Aemilius Macedonicus, and Cato the Elder were worthy of the task before them.

Following the Syrian War, the Roman Republic was beset by relative peace throughout. The constant warfare of years past gave way to mild prosperity. Monies gained from the provinces nearly supported the cost of Rome's mighty legions, and the people of Rome seemed accepting of the Senate's leadership.

Despite the relative prosperity in Rome, one could not help but wonder if there were signs of strife ahead. The procedures instituted for provincial rule were primitive at best. The responsibilities of Governors were vast, and often did not leave them time to attend to their personal estates. This was compounded by the lack of compensation for Governors. Together these issues resulted in inviting corruption amongst the provincial stewards.

In addition to the provincial issues, a strange phenomenon had begun to develop. In the early days of the Republic, the idea of Land Bills was devised to appease the plebeians and prevent social upheaval. While Land Bills were unpopular among the Senate, they were effective in their purpose and were accepted as necessary to control unrest. During the Republic's middle years, the use of Land Bills had grown despite the relative calm of the people. It was unclear whether the extensive use of Land Bills was simply a tactic of building popularity with the masses, or a concerted effort to turn Rome into a welfare state.

The relative calm after the Syrian War was shattered when the Macedonians once again assembled an army to assert their power in the region. Fortunately for Rome, her wealth far surpassed that of Macedon, and the Roman army, under the direction of Consul Acilius, defeated the Macedonians on the northern hills of Illyricum.

Meanwhile, the wealthy kingdom of Pergamum was annexed by Rome, resulting in a significant boost to the state treasury and the bountiful province of Asia being brought into the fold.

While there were still questions on the issues of provincial administration, and the Republic's choice of economic systems, the Senate still seemed to be acting in Rome's best interests. The fact that Rome's dominance in the region was unquestioned, and no sign of unrest was evident among the plebeians supported this.

The addition of resources from Asia, improving infrastructure within existing provinces, elimination of Macedon's military as a viable threat, and the absence of any significant powers in the region made it clear that the Romans were the "Masters of the Mediterranean." The only threats that seemed to confront the Republic were discontented slaves in Siclia, and pirates from Cilicia. Both of these so-called threats were minor and no match for Rome's ample wealth and powerful military.

After the Punic Wars, Rome was uncomfortable with her role as an imperial power. By the height of the Middle Republic, Rome had more than doubled in size and was firmly secure in growing her territory further.

While differences of opinion existed within the Senate on the proper way to operate government, these differences were easily settled with the procedures defined by ages past.

With the treasury full, the military unchallenged, the government secure in its leadership role, and the Populus Romanus content it would seem that the Republic was entering into a Golden Age of prosperity.

The promise of prosperity may have been premature, for dark clouds began to gather over the Republic. The first sign of ill tidings was the untimely death of Consul Aemilius, one of Rome's more influential Senators. The second was the appearance of a volcano destroying the harbors of Syracusa. The third was the beginnings of mob violence in the city. While none of these signs adversely affected the Republic, they seemed to foreshadow more ominous things to come.

As is commonly the case in government when no outward forces are present to challenge a people, the seekers of power turn inward. Political intrigue and maneuverings take hold as the "haves" and "have nots" fight amongst themselves. Such was the case during the height of the Middle Republic.

It started with the death of a representative of the people. Just before he was to exercise his power, a Tribune was violently killed in the Senate chambers. The act was claimed as self defense, but there were those who feared foul play. With the blood of the Tribune still fresh, the affairs of the Senate became even more violent as the Pontifex Maximus, M. Fulvius Flaccus, was violently assassinated in the Senate chambers. This series of events triggered bickering and general discontent, resulting in a realignment of political power within the Senate.

The realignment of power apparently was not well liked by all, for Julius and Papirius, newly elected governors of Further and Nearer Spain declared themselves in open rebellion against the Senate.

As the situation became more volatile, various powers outside of Rome saw this as their opportunity to act. The Numantines, Jugurtha, and Macedon all declared war upon Rome. Resulting in a total of four different military conflicts confronting the Republic.

Desperate times call for desperate actions, and Rome appointed Acilius as Dictator and prepared itself for war. With the support of the Senate behind him, Acilius opted for a bold stroke to simultaneously strike down the Macedonians and Jugurtha. Meanwhile, Acilius allowed the Numantine revolt to wear down the forces of the rebel Papirius. Acilius' decision proved successful as the forces of Jugurtha and Macedon were destroyed with little affect to Rome, and adding the province of Greece to the Republic.

Despite the losses suffered by Papirius, Julius would not be stopped and he sailed his Iberian armies to confront the Republic and claim it as his own. So began the Julian/Papirian Civil War.

While there were those amongst the Republic who may have wished Julius and Papirius success in their bid to conquer Rome, it was not to be. The Senate banded together, and elected capable military leaders. Coupled with the might of the Republic's legions, the Julian/Papirian Civil War was quickly put down and the rebels executed. Similarly, the Republic was able to vanquish its long time fow, Carthage, and resulting in the province of Africa.

Despite the success in putting down the rebellion, the provinces of Spain were torn asunder. Seizing the opportunity to mount a rebellion of their own, the Numantines quickly built a power base and claimed much of Hispania as their own. Adding insult to injury, the rest of Spain revolted as well. Matters became even more dire when mass migrations of Germans threatened the Republic's borders to the north.

Troubles confronted the Republic from within, as well. The break-up of a powerful faction within the Senate resulted in the reuniting of the brothers Gracchi. A powerful tandem whose differences had been put behind them. The Gracchi wasted little time in garnering power, aided by the likes of C. Servilius Glaucia (the famed "mob orator"), and Porcius (descendant of the great Cato the Elder).

With the appointment of Tiberius Gracchus as Dictator, it was assumed that the revolts in Spain and the German migrations to the north would be dealt with. Alas, this was not to be. Resulting in the deaths of two of the Senate's most prominent members. It's unclear as to whether this was a case of indecision on the part of T. Gracchus, or some other more sinister plan.