The last century of the Roman Republic saw the consensus of the ruling elite shattered by a series of high-profile politicians who proposed political or social reform programmes, many of which culminated in acts of bloodshed on the streets of Rome itself. This began in 133 BC with the military recruitment reforms of Tiberius Gracchus, which saw him and his supporters lynched by a mob of angry Senators. He was followed by a series of radical politicians, each with their'own agenda that challenged the status quo of the Senatorial elite. Each met a violent response from elements of the ruling order, leading to murder and even battles on the streets of Rome. These bloody political clashes paralyzed the Roman state, eventually leading to its collapse. Covering the period 133 - 70 BC, this volume' analyses each of the key reformers, what they were trying to achieve and how they met their end, narrating the long decline of the Roman Republic into anarchy and civil war.

About the Author
Dr Gareth Sampson holds a Phd in Ancient History from Manchester University and now lectures on Roman history. His previous books were the _Defeat of Rome_ (2008), _The Crisis of Rome: Marius and the Jugurthine and Northern Wars_ (2011), _The Collapse of Rome_ (2013) and _The Eagle Spreads Her Wings: Roman Expansion Between the Punic Wars_ (2016), all published by Pen & Sword.


Book Information
ISBN 9781473887329
Author Gareth C. Sampson
Format Hardback
Page Count 286
Imprint Pen & Sword History
Publisher Pen & Sword Books Ltd