论社会转型期的罗马元老院

On Roman Senate in social transition

作为权力核心的元老院,在罗马共和国的扩张期,发挥了无可替代的积极作用。随着其大规模海外扩张的相对停止,罗马内部社会矛盾逐渐尖锐,元老院面临着政治、经济利益再分配的巨大压力。大地产形成导致小农的普遍破产,严重削弱了城邦基础,迫使罗马实施军事制度的变革,催生了要求与元老贵族分享政权的骑士阶层;海外文化和奢靡生活方式的传入,冲击着罗马的社会传统和价值判断标准。在社会转型、矛盾凸显的关键时刻,元老院未能自觉调整统治政策,成为阻挠改革、维护特权、恋栈私利的寡头政治集团,堕落为独裁者的工具。

As the power core,Roman Senate played an extremely active role in the expansion period of Roman Republic.Along with the relative stop in its large-scale overseas expansion,a lot of internal social contradictions appeared and the Senate was confronted with the great pressure of re-distribution of political and economic interests.The formation of Latifundium led to the bankruptcy of all small farmers,weakened the foundation of city-states,forced Rome to reform in military systems and resulted in equites class that requested to share political power with senior aristocrats.The introduction of foreign culture and luxurious way of life shocked Roman social traditions and values.In the critical moment of social transition and social contradictions,the Senate failed to adjust its ruling policy.As a result,it became an oligarchy that obstructed reforms and safeguarded its own priviliges and interests.