The Roman Republic overthrew the Roman monarchy in 509 BC. The Republic was headed by two consuls, elected annually by the people of Rome. This was advised by a Senate. Roman society was hierarchic. The Constitution was influenced by the struggle between the patricians, Rome's aristocracy and the plebeians, the citizen-commoners. The Republic's developed a developed a strong tradition and morality towards the public service and patronage in peace and war. This made the political and military success inevitably linked. Many of Rome's constitutional and parliamentary structures can still be seen today throughout Europe and much of the world in modern countries and universal organisations. Latin, which was the Roman language has influenced language in parts of Europe and the world. By the eve of Julius Caesar's assassination, Rome controlled thirty four present-day countries and had their own currency as well. The main symbol for the Roman Army and the Senate was SPQR (Senatus Populus Que Romanus) which meant 'The Senate and People of Rome'. The Roman Republic lasted from 509 BC to 27 BC until it became the Roman Empire.