The Roman Senate was a key political institution in the Roman Republic, composed of elite men known as Senators. Senators held significant influence over Roman politics, war, and finances. Understanding the timeline of their development helps us see how their power changed over time.

Source A: Excerpt from a Roman historian

'The Senate's authority grew steadily from the early Republic, becoming the central governing body by the 3rd century BC...' Provenance: Ancient historian Livy, 'History of Rome', 1st century BC.

The development of the Senate was marked by several key events:

• 509 BC: Overthrow of the Roman monarchy and establishment of the Republic
• 367 BC: Laws allowing plebeians to become Senators
• 264-146 BC: Rome's expansion leading to increased Senate authority
• 133 BC: Tiberius Gracchus's reforms and political unrest
• 49 BC: Julius Caesar's crossing of the Rubicon and the fall of the Republic

Source B: Timeline from a history textbook

'The Roman Senate's power peaked in the 2nd century BC, but its authority declined after the rise of imperial rule.' Provenance: Modern history textbook, 21st century.

By the 1st century BC, the power of the Senate was waning as individual generals gained more influence. Julius Caesar's rise and the subsequent civil war marked the end of the Senate's dominance and the beginning of imperial rule.

Source C: Excerpt from a modern historian

'The decline of the Senate was a gradual process, accelerated by internal conflicts and the rise of powerful military leaders.' Provenance: Modern historian's analysis, 21st century.