The Constitution of the Roman Republic (287-133 BC): A Mixed Polity

Author: Antonios Emmanuel Platsas
Publisher: Edinburgh University Press
ISBN: 9781399545822
Published In: February 2026
Format: Hardback
Jurisdiction: U.K. ? Disclaimer:
Countri(es) stated herein are used as reference only

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Explores the characteristics of the Roman Republic’s constitution between 287-133 BC.

Presents a novel perspective on the constitutional nature of the Roman Republic
Identifies the period between 287 and 133 BC as the golden constitutional age of the Republic
Presents a taxonomy of Rome’s institutions and magistrates into monarchic, oligarchic, aristocratic and democratic elements
Advocates the mixed character of the constitution of the Roman Republic by putting forward a mixed polity model
Takes a comparative and interdisciplinary approach drawing on a range of legal and historical sources and materials

This book explores the apex of the Roman Republic, positing that the Republic has been one of mixed characteristics combining monarchic, oligarchic, aristocratic and democratic elements in its constitution. It offers unique analytical insights into the golden constitutional era of the Roman Republic by exploring the essence, the fundamentals, the historical roots and the structures of its institutions.

In addition to exploring the apex of the Republic and the reasons behind it, the monograph taxonomises and explores the constituent elements of the Republic. It does so by offering a detailed analysis of the precise constitutional nature of the Roman Republic and its institutions in the same period of time. Moreover, the book radically challenges the traditional picture of the Roman republic as a three-dimensional constitutional reality (monarchy – aristocracy – democracy), proposing that the Republic was more complex than that, as in it being a four-dimensional constitutional reality (monarchy – aristocracy – oligarchy – democracy).

PART ONE: THE REPUBLIC’S RISE

I Introduction

II From the Monarchy to the Republic: From Legend to History

III Periodization of the Republic: between Classic Periodization and Flower’s Periodization

PART TWO: THE REPUBLIC’S APOGEE

IV The Roman Character and the Republic’s Character at its Best (287-133 BC)

V Lex Hortensia or How the Roman Republic’s Constitution became more Democratic

VI A Constitution in Overdrive Responsible for Building an Empire

PART THREE: A MIXED POLITY OF MONARCHIC, OLIGARCHIC, ARISTOCRATIC AND DEMOCRATIC ELEMENTS

VII The Roman Republic as a Mixed Polity

VIII The Social and Economic Forces behind the Republic’s Constitution

IX The Roman Constitution per se & Methodological Considerations