Roman Republic Overview

Small farmers in ancient Rome found it hard to compete with large estates worked by enslaved people. This led to many losing their land and becoming poor.

Many former Roman soldiers, after losing their lands, became unemployed and homeless, forced to work as seasonal laborers or migrate to cities.

About one-fourth of Roman society consisted of urban poor people, including many former farmers and soldiers.

Two Roman brothers who tried to help the poor by proposing land reforms.

Tiberius and Gaius Gracchus proposed limiting the size of large estates and distributing land to the poor.

A conflict between different groups in Rome, following the deaths of Tiberius and Gaius Gracchus, who were killed by their political opponents.

The Roman military's loyalty shifted away from the republic as generals gained power; soldiers now prioritized their leaders over the republic.

A renowned Roman military leader who later joined forces with Crassus and Pompey, ultimately gaining control by force.

Soldiers who were also citizens and therefore loyal to the Roman Republic

Military leaders began to become more powerful in the Roman Republic, using their soldiers to seize more control.

Discipline, strength, and loyalty were highly valued in ancient Rome, epitomized by the virtue of gravitas.

Romans valued strength, power, and usefulness over beauty, grace, and elegance.

Roman emperors like Caligula and Nero were marked by negative traits like instability, cruelty, or authoritarian rule.

Emperors like Hadrian and Marcus Aurelius were associated with positive leadership traits, administration, and empire expansion.

The Roman Empire reached its greatest extent during the reigns of some emperors.

The majority of people in the Roman Empire lived in rural areas and worked on farms.

Julius Caesar was elected consul in 59 BC with the help of political allies.

A group of three powerful rulers who dominated Rome for 10 years.

Caesar led his legions to successfully conquer Gaul (France) between 58-50 BC.

Caesar defied the Senate's order and led his army across the Rubicon River, initiating a civil war in 49 BC.

Caesar's armies defeated Pompey's forces in Greece, Asia, Spain, and Egypt.

In 46 BC, the Roman Senate appointed Caesar Dictator, and in 44 BC, for life.

Caesar was assassinated on March 15, 44 BC, by a group of senators led by Brutus and Cassius.

Caesar granted Roman citizenship to people in the provinces, demonstrating his governing as an absolute ruler.

A river in Italy, crossing which marked the beginning of a civil war initiated by Caesar.

A military general and political rival of Julius Caesar.