Political institutions (753-201 BC)

Social Struggles in Archaic Rome: New Perspectives on the Conflict of the Orders edited by Kurt Raaflaub (2004; 9781405100618)IntermediatePolitical: this edited volume includes chapters by the leading scholars on the early republic, and deals with some of the most difficult issues in the history of this period. Later Romans knew that their early history was marked by social conflicts between ‘patricians’ – a tight core of noble families – and ‘plebeians’ – essentially everyone else. Unfortunately no contemporary evidence exists for these struggles, so modern scholarship has found it incredibly difficult to piece together what actually happened. To add extra importance, most of the political and social institutions that would define Rome for the rest of its history have their origins in this period. Raaflaub’s volume is the most respected, and although the contributions do not create a cohesive, unified picture, there is value in appreciating the wide variety of interpretations that can be drawn from such scant material. The book is probably a bit challenging for general readers. Public Office in Early Rome: Ritual Procedure and Political Practice by Roberta Stewart (1998; ISBN 9780472034376) Advanced Political Religious – Stewart’s excellent book addresses the difficult question of the interplay between and evolution of religious and political authority in the early Republic, c. 5th to 3rd centuries BCE. Unfortunately, the book is not really for beginners, as Stewart expects a certain level of knowledge of the wider themes of the period, terminology, and ancient languages, and the arguments themselves, although presented in an erudite manner, are deeply complex. However, if one sets out to untangle them, the results are very rewarding.