The Roman Republic lasted for 500 years, enduring significant upheaval, but eventually transformed into an authoritarian military dictatorship after internal conflicts.

Roman history is conventionally divided into three periods: the monarchy (753-509 BC), the Republic (509-27 BC), and the Empire (27 BC-5th century AD).

The late Roman Republic, from 133 to 31 BC, was marked by constant internal conflict and civil wars due to the unequal distribution of wealth and power.

The Roman Republic was characterized by a system of job rotation and assemblies, allowing citizens to participate in governance for about 500 years after the kings were expelled.

Augustus, as the first emperor of Rome, established a political system that would influence countless later empires and shape global history. He oversees the transition from the Roman Republic to the Empire, setting a template that future emperors follow for the next 500 to 1500 years, as they all aspire to be like him, adopting his titles such as 'Caesar Augustus' and 'Imperator'.

Roman citizenship came with privileges and obligations, emphasizing the importance of citizenship in Roman society, although it was limited to a small percentage of the population.

Rome's success can be attributed to its ability to integrate conquered peoples and ideas, often granting them a degree of Roman citizenship.

The Romans are always going to have a hold on our collective consciousness because we're living in a post-Roman society.

Roman society was deeply traditional-minded and conservative, often resistant to necessary changes that could have saved the Republic.