The Government of Ancient Rome
Each king was advised by a Senate made up of the heads of Rome's leading families. Roman republic was established in 509 B.C after Roman nobles overthrew the king. To succeed politically magistrates had to follow the ladder of offices. The first step was serving as military officer. Next, magistrates would try to be elected as financial official, then as public works official and lastly, as judicial official. After serving as judicial official, magistrates would automatically enter the Senate. The highest position was Consul. Two consuls were elected annually who headed the government and took command of the army when their was war. Each Roman year was named after the consuls that ruled that year. After serving one position, you had to return to your private life for a year before holding another office. The Roman empire was established in 27 B.C after the republican government collapsed. Emperors nominated consuls, appointed new Senators, headed the army and directed the making of laws. Romans published the first law code in 451 B.C. It was known as the laws of the Twelve Tables. This law was basic. As Rome grew, legal system developed and became more complex. Rome became the first society with lawyers. Legal principals based on common sense notions of fairness and took place into account local customs and practices.