End.

The Roman Revolution

After the Deluge

Another factor in the fall of the Republic was the empire; that is, the acquisition of numerous large provinces. The Republic was unable to withstand the strain of that, but could not shirk the responsibility to rule.

So, in 31, Octavian and Rome faced a dilemma. The old system was in shambles, but no alternatives offered. The one model that was available was monarchy, but Rome hated the very word "king" and Octavian was a good Roman.

Not only the Roman state, but the entire Mediterranean was in his hands. All eyes were upon him. None could oppose him. He was thirty-two years old and, like Alexander before him, the world was his.

But what would he do with it?

History of Western Civilization

E.L. Skip Knox
Boise State University

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