The Roman Senate during the Monarchy
Historia Civilis・3 minutes read
The Roman Senate advised the king and played a key role in selecting monarchs by presenting pre-approved candidates for approval by the assembly. The senate's influence and power led to the expulsion of kings and its dominance for 500 years.
Insights
- The Roman Senate, initially a council of elders advising the king, gained significant power during the monarchy by controlling the selection of monarchs through a structured process of nomination and approval, leading to the expulsion of kings and the Senate's dominance for 500 years.
- An interrex appointed by the Senate after a king's death held temporary kingly powers, nominating successors for Senate approval, showcasing a transitional system where the Senate's influence in selecting rulers was paramount, shaping Rome's political landscape for centuries.
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Recent questions
What was the role of the Roman Senate during the Roman Kingdom?
Advised the king, lacked legislative authority.
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Summary
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Roman Senate: Power and Influence in Monarchy
- The Roman Senate originated during the Roman Kingdom, initially comprising around 100 men from distinct noble families who advised the king. It functioned more as a council of elders than a legislative body, lacking the authority to enforce decisions without the king's consent.
- Upon a king's death, the senate would appoint an interrex, who wielded kingly powers for a brief 5-day term. The interrex, with senate approval, would nominate a successor and present them for questioning and approval by the senate before a public assembly vote.
- The senate played a pivotal role in selecting Rome's monarchs, ensuring a controlled process where pre-approved candidates were presented for approval. This system, established during the monarchy, showcased the senate's influence and power, leading to the eventual expulsion of kings and the senate's dominance for 500 years.
