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509 BCE
Rome creates a Republic
Rome created a Republic, a form of government wherein the citizens elected officials to serve a year in office, to replace the city's former monarchy. They did this to stop the abuse of power from one person. -
455 BCE
Decemviri appointed to create a code of law
Decemviri (Roman for a commission of ten men) produce a code of law sufficient enough to fill ten tablets. -
450 BCE
Rome produces the Law of Twelve Tables
Prior to this, Rome had mostly unwritten laws and this angered many people who did not want to be punished for an unwritten law. This raised a call for written, accessible laws. Rome's first written laws were on 12 Bronze Tablets that were displayed in the forum. These laws protected the rights of the people, sometimes more specifically the Patricians. -
450 BCE
The Second Decemviri is appointed.
The plebeians were dissatisfied with the initial ten tablet code of laws, so a second decemviri was appointed and two more tablets were created. -
400 BCE
Patricians make changes to Rome's Government.
The Patricians made changes to Rome's government that were suited to include the Plebeians. They created offices for Plebeians, and the distinction separating them fades over time. -
400 BCE
Rome develops a tripartite government.
The changes made by the Patricians resulted in a three part government. Two powerful magistrates called consuls ran the city and it's army, and other magistrates each had their own duty. The senate advised the magistrates and magistrates joined the senate after their year term. The assemblies were made up of both patricians and plebeians who elected magistrates, and the tribunes had the ability to veto (prohibit) the actions of other officials. -
Period: 400 BCE to 200 BCE
The Senate's Influence Grows
The Senate began to grow in power and influence. By 200 B.C they influenced magistrates and controlled Rome's finances.
