DERECHO ROMANO / tema 1 "La Monarquía"

Introduction to Roman Political Evolution

Overview of the Course

• This course aims to discuss the history of insects and ancient Roman legislation in a didactic and entertaining manner. The first topic covers the political evolution of Rome, starting from monarchy, transitioning to republic, and concluding with the empire.

Theories on the Foundation of Rome

• Two main theories explain the foundation of Rome: mythological and historical.

• Mythological Theory: Suggests that Aeneas, a Trojan hero, founded Rome on the right bank of the Tiber River.

• Historical Theory: Indicates that various populations settled in Italy, particularly Latins who occupied central regions around the Tiber River. They likely originated from areas near the Danube River.

Key Influences on Early Roman Society

Cultural Interactions

• Etruscans and Greeks significantly influenced early Roman culture:

• Etruscans were a warrior-like ethnic group that reached high levels of civilization and impacted political structures across Italy.

• Greeks established advanced Hellenistic centers in southern Italy around the 9th century BC, contributing to cultural development among Latins who were caught between these two dominant cultures.

Formation of Early Rome

• The fusion between Latins and Sabines was primarily defensive against external threats, leading to the establishment of a city around seven hills for better protection against invasions.

Monarchical Period in Rome

Structure and Society

• The monarchical period lasted from 753 BC to 510 BC (approximately 243 years), characterized by extensive family unions known as patricians who held significant power over political, religious, and social life in Rome.

• Patricians enjoyed privileged status while plebeians formed a large part of society but faced deep inequalities leading to internal conflicts aimed at reducing disparities within their community.

Governance Under Kings

• During this era, seven kings ruled:

• Romulus established the Senate; Numa Pompilius introduced religious practices.

• Subsequent kings focused on military consolidation while Servius Tullius implemented administrative reforms based on economic conditions leading to new voting assemblies called comitia centuriata.

Decline of Monarchy

Tarquin's Rule

• Tarquin's reign marked a decline due to his tyrannical rule which led to widespread discontent among Romans.

• His oppressive governance included imprisoning dissenters and enforcing harsh penalties for opposition.

Comicios Romanos y su Importancia

Estructura y Función de los Comicios

• Los comicios romanos se llevaban a cabo en la curia, donde los ciudadanos votaban individualmente, lo que aseguraba el ejercicio de derechos políticos y tenía un aspecto religioso importante.

• La importancia de los comicios radica en su doble función: garantizar derechos políticos y celebrar festividades religiosas.

Reformas Administrativas bajo Servio Tulio

• Las reformas administrativas necesarias para Roma fueron implementadas durante el reinado de Servio Tulio, quien promovió la inclusión tanto de plebeyos como de patricios en el proceso electoral.

• Servio Tulio también fue responsable de la elección de magistrados, aunque inicialmente estos eran seleccionados por el monarca.

El Senado como Poder Político

• Tras la caída de la monarquía, el Senado emergió como el verdadero poder político en Roma, siendo el único cuerpo gubernamental permanente.

• El término "senado" proviene del concepto de consejo de ancianos, reflejando una estructura patriarcal donde los líderes eran patriarcas familiares predominantes.

Fuentes del Derecho Romano

• Durante la monarquía romana, las fuentes formales del derecho se limitaban principalmente a las costumbres ancestrales.