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Abstract:  REVOLUTION, REPUBLICANISM AND RISORGIMENTO: ROME AND ITS HISTORIANS, 1798-1799 AND 1849 The historiography of the two Roman Republics (1797-8 and 1849) is difficult to separate from the circumstances which led to their defeat. Opinions have always divided sharply in assessing the achievements and shortcomings of the two Republics, all the more so because they played so important a role in shaping the language and the ideals of the Risorgimento. This article explores and assesses historical interpretations of the Roman Republics, with particular reference to the work of Alberto Mario Ghisalberti and his students and to the work of Domenico Demarco. It reflects on the recent waning of historical interest in the issues which so engaged Ghisalberti et al., and suggests that one way forward is to look more closely at the political discourse and imagery of the two Republics. It might also be helpful, the article concludes, to look at how the idea of Rome as the capital of a new Italy was constructed during this time, and at the role played by religion and the Church in this process.