Ancient Greek Poleis and Roman Republic: Trade, Governance, and Conflict

Ancient Greek Poleis: A Reflection

The Greek poleis, or city-states, emerged as a new civilization rooted in trade and the adoption of the alphabet. These small, independent entities, unlike the larger Phoenician city-states, numbered around 200 in Greece, compared to the 10-15 in Phoenicia. Commerce was central to their existence. Around 1000-900 BC, these cities thrived in the eastern Mediterranean, encompassing Greece, Turkey (Ionia), Lebanon, and Israel. They dominated Mediterranean trade, mastering navigation and extending their reach to North Africa and the Atlantic. Cities like Siron and Tire (Phoenician) were known for their excellent ports. Unlike Egypt and Mesopotamia, where agriculture was the primary source of wealth, the Phoenicians and Greeks focused on trade, including internal merchants like the Jews in Alexandria.

The Greeks traded with the Phoenicians, initially as pirates but later as established traders. They established trading colonies in Spain, Italy, and France. Around 900 BC, the first alphabetic writing appeared in Tire, evolving from cuneiform script. This new alphabet spread rapidly, appearing in Greek cities around 800 BC. For both the Phoenicians and Greeks, the alphabet was a revolutionary tool, reducing the need to memorize thousands of signs to just 20, facilitating communication and trade. This invention allowed for the dissemination of knowledge and the consolidation of data, requiring widespread understanding of these new symbols.

The Roman Republic

Around 500 BC, Rome transitioned into a Republic. Rome was known for its military prowess and courage, achieving victories in numerous battles. The Republic's administration evolved from the time of kings. The Senate was the most important governing body, composed of representatives from each family (gens). Initially, there were three tribes, each contributing 100 senators, totaling 300 (Ramnes, Tities, and Luceres). Senators were not always old; younger members could represent their families.

The senators ratified the Roman magistrates:

• Consuls: The highest magistrates, serving as chief executives (two at a time).
• Praetors: Initially judges, they later administered justice and represented Rome in their cities.
• Quaestors: Responsible for collecting finances.
• Aediles: Heads of municipalities or small towns, appointed by patrician elections.
• Censors: Appointed every five years, they were responsible for creating the list of patricians, conducting the census of citizens.

The core families (patricians) who founded Rome were few and primarily engaged in trade. The common people (plebeians) worked in the fields and had the right to vote, marry without patrician permission, and trade their crops. Julius Caesar, a descendant of the Ramnes and Luceres families, led the Gallic Wars (58-51 BC), ultimately winning. He also fought the conservative faction of the Roman Senate, led by Pompey. The Roman Republic ended when Julius Caesar crossed the Rubicon River (a river that no army was allowed to cross) in 44 BC, challenging the Senate. Caesar aimed to become an emperor, like the pharaohs of ancient Egypt, controlling the army and pacifying the Roman Empire. However, this went against the principles of the Republic, and he was assassinated in the Temple of Vesta by a conspiracy led by Cassius and Brutus.