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Problems in the Republic

The Roman army won many victories. But the Republic faced mounting problems at home. The gap between the rich and the poor grew wider. Many farmers aced financial ruin. The cities were becoming overcrowded and dangerous. 

Romans-Rich and Poor

Most Romans were plebeians who farmed small plots of land. The Plabains had made some political gains in the Roman Republic. But they lacked real power. Power was still held by the patricians. The upper class still made up most of the senate and served in key government positions. They also managed finances and directed wars. In 100 B.C. farmers began to fall into poverty and debt. Many small farmers neglected their farms while fighting in wars. Others farms were destroyed by the Carthaginians. The farmers didn't have any crops to harvest. So they couldn't pay back loans. In addition, small farmers couldn't compete with wealthy latifundia owners. Farmers couldn't even find jobs. Small farmers went out of business. Desperate economic conditions created mounting anger. Roman leaders feared a revolt. So, they offered cheap food and free entertainment. Numerous Roman leaders used the policy of "bread and circuses", to stay in power.

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Tiberius

Roman Reformers

Not all wealthy Romans ignored the problems of the poor. Two government officials, who were also brothers, worked for reforms. Tiberius and Gaius Gracchus thought that Romes's problems were caused by the actions of wealthy landowners. The brothers wanted to stop the wealthy from taking over small farms and buying more land for their latifundia. They urged the senate to take some land from the latifundia and return it to the poor. The senate was made up of wealthy Romans. Some of whom owned latifundia. They fought the brother's proposals. A group of senators killed Tiberius and Gauis was killed 12 years later. Dark days had fallen on the Roman Republic laws were being broken constantly. 

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Gaius
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Marius

Roman Politics and the Army

The Roman Republic soon faced more challenges. Rome's military leaders began to seek power. In 107 B.C. a general named Marius became a consul. He believed he could solve Romes's economic problems. He transformed the army in order to provide opportunities for the poor. Until then only property owners served in the army. In return for military service, He paid the landless and promised them land. Now the army was a force of professional soldiers. However, it weakened the republican form of government. Military generals grew powerful as a result of the loyalty of their soldiers. In 82 B.C. a general named Sulla drove his enemy Marius out of Rome and Sulla named himself dictator. It marked the first time a Roman general had led his army into the capital. Sulla reduced the power of the tribunes and. gave senators more responsibility. Then Sulla stepped down from the dictator hoping the republic would return to its glory days.  

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Sulla

The Rise of Julius Ceaser  

After Sulla left office, different Roman leaders fought among themselves for power. Many of them relied on their loyal armies to support them. In 60 B.C. three men ruled the Roman Republic: Crassus, Pompey, and Julius Caesar. Crassus was a general and a wealthy man. Pompey and Caesar were rich and known for their military accomplishments. These three men formed the first Triumvirate

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Caesar's Conquests 

Each Member of the Triumvirate commanded a military outpost. Pompey in Spain, Crassus in Syria and Caesar in Gaul. Caesar fought the Celts and invaded Britain. He won the admiration and the support of the poor. Roman senators grew uneasy with Caesar.  They feared Caesar was becoming too powerful. The  triumvirate no longer existed. Crassus died. Pompey was now Caesar's main rival. The senate supported Pompey. The Senate ordered Caesar to give up his army and go home. Caesar refused, he gathered his loyal troops and crossed the Rubicon river. Caesar and his army captured all of Italy. Eventually crushing Pompey's Army. 

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Caesar Takes Power

Caesar took over the Roman government in 44 B.C. He declared himself dictator for life. Caesar appointed people in the senate that supported him. Meanwhile, Caesar introduced new reforms. He created jobs for the unemployed. He created a new calendar 365 days a year. Many Romans Praised Caesar. But, others hated him. Caesar's opponents gathered and  stabbed him to death.

From Republic to Empire

Afters Caesars death, civil war broke out. Caesars 18 years grandnephew Octavian joined two of Caesars top generals: Mark Antony and Marcus Lepidus. They formed the second Triumvirate. They divided the Roman Empire among themselves.  Octavian took command of Italy and the west. Anthony ruled Greece and the east. Lepidus took command in North Africa.

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Antony and Cleopatra

  The second triumvirate didn't last long. Lepidus retired from politics. Soon Octavian and Antony became rivals. Antony fell in love with an Egyptian queen they formed an alliance. Octavian accused them of plotting against Rome. The Romans support for Octavian lead him to declaring war. Octavian won the war. Now Octavian was the supreme leader of Rome. That was the end to the Roman Republic. 

Octavian- a New Direction

Ocatavian decided not to make himself life long leader because the people wouldn't like that. Octavian publicly said he supported a republic. But privately it was the opposite. Octavian felt that Rome needed a strong leader. Later Octavian declared he was Consul, tribune and chief in commander for life,in 27 B.C. Also he named himself Caesar Augustus. Augustus means the magic one. Ocatvian became Romes first Emperor. 

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