The ancient Roman Republic is typically regarded as having fallen in 27 BCE when Octavian (later known as Augustus) was granted the title of emperor, marking the transition to the Roman Empire. This shift followed a period of civil war and political turmoil, culminating in the end of the Republic’s system of governance, characterized by elected officials and an assembly. By concentrating power in one individual, the Roman Empire established a different political structure that would dominate for centuries. The republic's fall represented a significant moment in history that influenced governance and state power in subsequent civilizations.