Decline of The Roman Republic

Great Expansion in the beginning was beneficial to the Republic but as the territory increased the provinces became a burden or changed the Roman way of life.

1. War Reparations Decreased
2. Higher Taxes because of the cost to conquer and administer the provinces Caused Inflation
3. Rome Lost Power over Some City States
4 Too Many People and Not Enough Food (Hannibal Destroyed Many of the Fields as He Ravaged Throughout the Land)
5. Nobles Gained Power Which Means the Assembly of Tribes and Administration Had less Power.
6. Corruption was widespread. Officials Stole and Became Wealthy. Especially in the Provinces

7. Everything Was Poorly Governed
8. No One Took Care of the Fields (Too Many Men off to Protect the Expanding Republic)
9. The Roman government owned much of the land in the new provinces and leased it in very large estates called latifundia which also decreased the role of the citizen- farmer. When they returned from wars their farms were in disrepair and they often moved to the cities.
8. The new wealthy class (traders and merchants) had little political power.
9. People were judged for their wealth instead of their character.
10. Slaves began doing the work and the Romans became dependant on them and curtailed their ability to become citizens. The slaves often revolted caused continued stress on the economic and political systems.

Grachii (Brothers) Tried Agrarian Reforms but Were Unsuccessful because many of the reforms were taking from the wealthy and powerful Senators and giving to the landless and poor citizens. The Grachii brothers both were killed in very violent acts.
The military took mercenaries, soldiers who fought for booty instead of patriotism, to help stabilize the Republic. These soldiers owed their alliance to the generals instead of the Republic and these Military generals through various alliances control the Republic till the end.

Top

1st Triumvirate Julius Caesar Pompey Crassus

2nd Triumvirate Marc Anthony Lepidus Octavian (later Augustus)

webmaster Killeen Harker Heights Connections Unit 1 - Pre-History & Ancient Civilizations Links for Ancient Civilizations Links for Social Studies

1st Triumvirate	Julius Caesar	Pompey	Crassus
2nd Triumvirate	Marc Anthony	Lepidus	Octavian (later Augustus)