Res Publica and the Roman republic: ’Without body or form’

Res Publica and the Roman Republic' explores the political crisis at the end of the Roman Republic through the changing perceptions of the political sphere itself, the res publica. Partisan clashes over the political sphere, thus conceived, formed an important part of this crisis, though have received relatively little attention to date, partly because of the difficulty of precisely defining the concept. Nevertheless, from Scipio Nasica's efforts to keep it safe in 133 to Sulla's restored res publica in 82-81 and Caesar's sarcasm about its very existence (Suet. Jul. 77), the perceived condition and needs of the res publica were a source of concern, controversy, and self-justification throughout this period. This volume seeks to show how the rhetoric surrounding res publica mirrors the changes in the Roman political landscape towards the end of the Republic.00.
Abstract: Res Publica and the Roman Republic explores the political crisis at the end of the Roman Republic through the changing perceptions of the political sphere itself, the res publica. The volume seeks to show how the rhetoric surrounding the latter mirrors the changes in the Roman political landscape throughout this period.