--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: Rome became a republic in 509 B.C., after…" description: "\"“Rome became a republic in 509 B.C., after driving out its king and abolishing the monarchy. The next two centuries saw a long struggle for power betwe..." image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/96c/anthony-everitt-55601_american-politics_rome-became-a-republic-in-509-b-c-after_234479.jpg" --- # Rome became a republic in 509 B.C., after driving out its… ![“Rome became a republic in 509 B.C., after driving out its king and abolishing the monarchy. The next two centuries saw a long struggle for power between a group of noble families, patricians, and ordinary citizens, plebeians, who were excluded from public office. The outcome was a apparent victory…” quote by Anthony Everitt](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/96c/anthony-everitt-55601_american-politics_rome-became-a-republic-in-509-b-c-after_234479.jpg) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/96c/anthony-everitt-55601_american-politics_rome-became-a-republic-in-509-b-c-after_234479.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/96c/anthony-everitt-55601_american-politics_rome-became-a-republic-in-509-b-c-after_234479.jpg) > ““Rome became a republic in 509 B.C., after driving out its king and abolishing the monarchy. The next two centuries saw a long struggle for power between a group of noble families, patricians, and ordinary citizens, plebeians, who were excluded from public office. The outcome was a apparent victory for the people, but the old aristocracy, supplemented by rich pledeian nobles, still controlled the state. What looked in many ways like democracy was, in fact, an oligarcy modified by elections.”” [Anthony Everitt](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/anthony-everitt/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. The Roman Republic appeared democratic but was dominated by elite families who retained power through elections and wealth. **In simple terms:** Roman politics seemed democratic but were controlled by aristocratic families. Key Takeaway Recognize hidden power structures in modern institutions. Themes politics history power elitism democracy Mood skeptical reflective Type historical political When to use this quote - elections - public office - citizen participation - policy making Key Concepts oligarchy political economy social stratification Questions to Reflect On - How do modern elections conceal elite influence? - What mechanisms prevent genuine popular rule? 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