The monograph by N.V. Chekanova is a fundamental scientific study devoted to one of the most important topics in the history of ancient Rome - the problem of the transition of the Roman state from a republic to an empire. The author successfully combines a detailed analysis of the activities of the leaders who paved the way for the new imperial regime - Sulla, Julius Caesar, Octavian Augustus - with the reconstruction of Roman public life in the era of the Civil Wars, the thoughts and feelings of various social groups, and the spiritual values that the latter professed. Having carefully analyzed the evidence of a wide variety of ancient sources, as well as the hypotheses of predecessors, N.V. Chekanova comes to the conclusion that the process of transition from a republic to an empire was not a revolution or some kind of “one-time” reform, but a deep and comprehensive socio-cultural reformation of ancient Roman society .

Contents:N. S. Shirokova. Revolution or reform? Introduction

Specifics of the Roman state system on the eve of the crisis of the end of the 2nd–1st century. BC e. Disorganization as a factor in the evolution of Roman statehood in the second half of the 2nd–1st centuries. BC e.Transformation of interpersonal relationships and social value patterns

The dictatorship of Lucius Cornelius Sulla - an attempt to restore the aristocratic republic. The Sullan Constitution - an attempt to restore the republican political system, public morality and ethics. The dictatorship of Sulla - the first experience on the path to monarchy and empire

Dictatorship of Gaius Julius CaesarDesign and state-legal prerogatives of the power of Gaius Julius Caesar during the period of his dictatorshipImperial nature of the state-administrative and social policy of Gaius Julius Caesar

II Triumvirate - collegial dictatorshipRegistration and foundations of the power of the triumvirsPowers and social policy II Triumvirate

Conclusion

Bibliographic AppendixList of Abbreviations