HISTORY OF ANCIENT ROME AS A CONFIRMATION OF THE RELEVANCEOF THE ASIAN MODE OF PRODUCTION CONCEPT

Abstract

Aim. By analysing the dynamics of the development of the socio-political institutions of the Roman state at different stages of its existence, the article attempts to prove the relevance of the Asiatic mode of production and the invalidity of the concept of class theory. Methodology. Using the historical development of the Roman state as an example, the concept of estate-class and Asian formations is examined; the development of the basis and individual elements of the superstructure is analysed; a comparative characterisation of the results is made in order to identify inconsistencies and contradictions in them. The dialectical method of research is taken as the basis. General scientific methods (analysis, synthesis, hermeneutics, classification, typology, systematisation, analogy), special historical methods (comparative-historical, periodisation, chronological, problem-chronological, actualisation), methods of concrete and logical analysis were also applied. Results. It is revealed that there are weaknesses in the concept of the class formation, which do not allow to explain some phenomena in the development of the Roman state, while confirming the concept of the Asian formation. Research implications. The results of the research allow us to objectively examine the two major trends within the formational approach for inconsistencies with objective reality, i.e. allow us to verify or refute their scientific validity. In addition, a systematization of individual episodes of the development of social and political institutions of ancient Roman society has been carried out, which allows further use of these results in the research of related topics.