
The work opens with the dramatic shift from Rome’s ancient monarchy to a fledgling republic, tracing how the concentration of power in a lifelong chief sparked urgent calls for limits on magistrates. It follows the rising voice of the plebeians, the struggle of non‑citizen groups, and the clash between wealthy landowners and the emerging agrarian proletariat, all framed as a battle over who should govern and how. By examining reforms such as the abolition of the king’s lifetime rule and the early attempts to balance civic authority, the narrative reveals the restless energy that propelled Rome’s early institutions.
Beyond the political arena, the author turns to the broader canvas of Italy, describing Rome’s expanding influence over neighboring peoples and the cultural currents that accompanied conquest. Readers hear a vivid portrait of legal, religious, and economic transformations that set the stage for later unification, all presented with scholarly clarity that invites both newcomers and seasoned enthusiasts to explore the foundations of Roman civilization.
Language
de
Duration
~10 hours (621K characters)
Publisher of text edition
Project Gutenberg
Release date
2002-02-01
Rights
Public domain in the USA.
Subjects

1817–1903
A giant of 19th-century scholarship, he turned the ancient world into a vivid, human story. Best known for his sweeping History of Rome, he combined exacting research with the energy of a great storyteller.
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