Ep 21. Building the Roman Republic

The Big History of Civilizations season 1 episode 21, titled "Building the Roman Republic," explores the early beginnings of one of the most powerful empires in the world. The episode examines how the Romans built their republic, tracing its origins back to primitive tribes that inhabited the Italian peninsula. Viewers are taken through the timeline of Rome's evolution, studying the rise of iconic figures like Julius Caesar, Pompey and Crassus.

The episode highlights the role of the Roman Senate in shaping the country's future, and how the system was used to empower the citizens of the republic. It also delves into how the Roman army was created and the factors that contributed to its success on the battlefield. Through interviews with historians and reenactments, the episode explores the Roman's use of military tactics, which were considered innovative for their time, and goes into detail about the different types of soldiers that made up the Roman army.

In addition to covering the Roman Empire’s early political and military history, "Building the Roman Republic" also delves into daily life in Rome. It showcases the city's infrastructure and buildings, providing a glimpse into what life was like for the ancient Romans. The show also explores Roman culture, including their religion, entertainment, and art.

The episode also explores the relationship that Rome had with other civilizations of the time, including Carthage, which led to the Punic Wars. Through a series of in-depth interviews, historians provide insights into the complex geopolitical relationships that existed between different cultures during ancient times.

"Building the Roman Republic" serves as a fascinating look into one of the most important periods in history. The episode showcases the evolution of a fledgling civilization into one of the most powerful empires the world had ever seen. Additionally, the episode highlights how the Roman Republic was instrumental in shaping the future of Western civilization, providing foundations for law, government and military strategy.