Rome: Republic, Society, Art- Episode 3

Описание: In this episode, we examine the Roman Republic as a complex political, social, and cultural system rather than merely a sequence of military conquests. Moving beyond traditional narratives of regime change, the episode explores how the Republic was shaped by elite competition, social conflict, and institutional continuity following the abolition of monarchy.

The discussion traces Rome’s transformation from a city-state into a Mediterranean power, focusing on the internal tensions between patricians and plebeians, the development of republican institutions, and the mechanisms through which Rome managed social inequality while expanding its military reach. Particular attention is given to the “Conflict of the Orders” and the gradual, often fragile, process through which political participation was extended without dismantling aristocratic dominance.

Beyond politics and warfare, the episode explores Roman society and culture, highlighting Rome’s complex relationship with the Greek world. While Rome conquered Greek territories militarily, it absorbed Greek art, literature, philosophy, and aesthetic forms, reshaping them within a distinctly Roman framework. This cultural exchange influenced Roman identity, artistic expression, and social values, while also provoking moral anxieties among conservative Roman elites.

The episode also examines the role of art, theater, music, and performance in Roman public life, showing how cultural practices reflected religious beliefs, social hierarchy, and political power. Rather than functioning as mere entertainment, artistic production served as a key arena in which Roman values, authority, and identity were negotiated and displayed.

#podcast #history #ancientrome