An experienced scholar explains why the legendary early Republic, rather than the historical Republic of Cicero, has most influenced later political thought.

"The crisis and fall of the Roman Republic spawned a tradition of political thought that sought to evade the Republic's fate--despotism. Thinkers from Cicero to

A thematic introduction to Roman political thought that shows the Romans' enduring contribution to key political ideas.

This book is the first comprehensive treatment of Roman political thought, arguing that Romans engaged in wide-ranging reflections on politics.