The ancient civilization credited with the establishment of the first republic is ancient Rome. The Roman Republic was founded around 509 BCE after the overthrow of the last Roman king, Tarquin the Proud. This political system marked a significant departure from monarchical rule, introducing a mixed constitution characterized by elected officials, such as consuls and senators, who represented the interests of the citizenry. This republican framework allowed for broader participation in governance and laid the groundwork for democratic principles in Western civilization, influencing future political systems, including modern democratic republics.