The Roman republic started in the year 510 BC with the overthrow of Tarquinius Superbus, the last of the Etruscan kings. During the first several years of the Republic the Romans were busy trying to establish them selves among the powers of Italy and the Mediterranean. During this time the Romans dealt with many governmental problems as they dealt with the power division in their new Republic. In 451 BC the Code of the Twelve Tables lays the basis for Roman law, which would be changed slightly over the years, but remain the basis for all Roman law. The major changed that would be made during the rest of the 5th Century BC, is that Plebeians were allowed into office. The great Roman wall was built during this time. They fought against the Latin league and eventually made a treaty with them in 358 BC, and in 338 BC the Latin League was dissolved and most colonies were give pardons and full citizenship to Rome. In 320 BC the Romans were founding their own colonies, thus extending their influence into Apulia, the Abruzzi, and southern Italy. In 312 during the Censorship of Appius Claudius, the Via Appia was built, and by 290 Rome had become all powerful in southern Italy.
There
was not a lot of Theatre during this time. The only theatre that would be
found is the religious festivals that were held. These would have been simple
processions or dances to honor the gods that they served. The only other type
of theatre that would be seen during this time period would have been traveling
Etruscan players that were hired by the Romans. These players would later
influence the Roman theatre.