In the evocative and meticulously researched "Mortal Republic," Edward J. Watts explores the turbulent decline of the Roman Republic, revealing the intricate web of ambition, political machinations, and societal shifts that led to one of history's most significant transformations. Rome, a civilization that had thrived on its robust institutions and a deeply ingrained culture of negotiation and compromise, began to fray at the edges as its leaders manipulated the very mechanisms designed to protect its democracy for personal gain. Watts masterfully chronicles the descent from reasoned debate to violent street clashes, tracing the path from a vibrant republic to autocratic empire with a keen eye on the human factors and decisions that precipitated this monumental shift. Watts argues convincingly that the collapse of the Roman Republic was far from predestined, portraying it instead as a series of avoidable missteps and erosions of civic norms. Through the lives of the individuals who lived through this period of change, from ambitious politicians to disillusioned citizens, "Mortal Republic" offers a poignant cautionary tale about the fragility of democracy. It serves as a reminder that the health of a republic rests not on its laurels but on the continuous vigilance and active participation of its people. This compelling narrative not only illuminates the past but also casts a revealing light on the political challenges societies face in the present.