Astronomy Fundamentals and Roman Republic Governance

Astronomy Definitions

• Astronomy: The science that deals with the stars and the laws governing their movements.
• Comet: A celestial body comprised of a less dense core and a bright atmosphere that precedes or surrounds it, depending on its position relative to the Sun, moving in highly eccentric orbits.
• Planet: A solid celestial body that orbits a star and is visible by the light it reflects, specifically those rotating around the Sun.
• Satellite: An opaque companion body that shines only by reflecting sunlight and rotates around a primary planet.
• Galactic: Relating to the Milky Way or any other galaxy.

Etymological Notes

Neat pulchrum (Beautiful); Grammaticam Studeren (Study of Grammar); Scholam Litteram (Literal School); Necessarium (Necessary); Convincere (Convincing); Spiritum linguam (Linguistics/Language); Pilum (Hair/Follicle).

The Roman Republic

After the expulsion of the Etruscan king, the Roman government was led by two rulers: Tarquinius Collatinus and Lucius Junius Brutus.

Governmental Structure

The system of government relied on magistrates and three types of assemblies:

• Comitia Curiata: Election polls.
• Comitia Centuriata: Taxes and military matters.
• Concilium Plebis: Assembly of the commoners.

Magistrate Characteristics

Magistrates held three key characteristics: annuity, collegiality, and accountability.

Senior Magistrates

• Consuls: The most important officials.
• Praetors: Handled legal issues.
• Censors: Elaborated the census list and monitored public habits.

Minor Magistrates

• Aediles: Surveillance of streets and aqueducts.
• Quaestors: Managed finance.
• Tribunes of the People: Protected the rights of commoners.

The Roman Senate

The Senate was composed of former senior magistrates. They managed external relations, worship, finance, legion recruitment, and the monitoring of conquered territories. They utilized two legal instruments: the auctoritas patrum and the senatus consultum.

Social Struggles

Conflicts between patricians and plebeians began early in the Republic. In 494 BC, the plebeians withdrew to the Aventine Hill (Secessio plebis) to protest their lack of rights. This action led to the creation of the Tribunes of the People to represent their interests.