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History

Roman Republic

What is roman republic?

· James MacDonald

Key facts

Start date 509 BCE[2]
End date 27 BCE[2]
Government type republican government[2]
Capital Rome[2]
Successor Roman Empire[2]

The Roman Republic was the period of ancient Roman history when Rome was governed as a republic, beginning in 509 BCE and ending in 27 BCE when the Roman Empire was established.

Context

The Roman Republic was the period of ancient Roman history when Rome was governed as a republic rather than by kings or emperors. It began in 509 BCE and ended in 27 BCE, when the Roman Empire was established [2]. The Republic followed the overthrow of Rome's last king and replaced monarchy with elected magistrates [2]. During this time, Rome expanded from the city's surroundings to control much of the Mediterranean world [1]. Its government included the Senate and several assemblies [2]. Octavian received the name Augustus and became princeps at the end of the Republic [2]. Different sources give different end dates, but 27 BCE is the standard chronology [2].

Documented claims

  • The Roman Republic followed the overthrow of Rome's last king and replaced monarchy with elected magistrates. [2]
  • Rome expanded from its surroundings to control much of the Mediterranean world during the Republic. [1]
  • Octavian received the name Augustus and became princeps at the end of the Republic. [2]

Questions and answers

What is the difference between the Roman Republic and the Roman Empire?

The Roman Republic was a period of republican government, while the Roman Empire was the subsequent period under emperors. The Republic ended in 27 BCE when Octavian became Augustus [2].

Why did the Roman Republic fall?

The Republic ended when Octavian received the name Augustus and became princeps, marking the beginning of the Roman Empire [2].

What was the Roman Republic?

The Roman Republic was the period of ancient Roman history when Rome was governed as a republic, from 509 BCE to 27 BCE [2].

Who ended the Roman Republic?

Octavian, later known as Augustus, ended the Republic when he became princeps [2].

Sources

  1. The Roman Empire: A Brief History — mpm.edu (retrieved August 3, 2026)
  2. Roman Republic — education.nationalgeographic.org (retrieved August 3, 2026)

Sources last checked August 3, 2026. · More in History