- As Rome grew, the gap between rich and poor increased
- By 100 BCE, enslaved people formed about 1/3 of Rome's population
- A large number of farmers sold their land to the rich and became homeless
- Tiberius and Gaius tried to help the poor people of Rome
- They were tribunes
- proposed reforms that limited sizes of estates and gave land to the poor
The Civil War eventually started
- Generals began seizing power by telling the poor people they will get land if they fight
- These soldiers fought for pay
Julius Cesar:
- In 60 BCE Cesar joined forces with a wealthy Roman named Crassus and a popular general named Pompey
- They dominated Rome for the next ten years
- Cesar only served one year as consul then appointed himself as governer of Gaul
- Pompey had become Cesar's rival
- Cesar started a number of reforms :
- granting citizenship to many people in Roman provinces
- expanding the Senate
- created jobs for the poor
- started colonies for people without land
- gave more money to soldiers
Beginning of the Empire:
- War broke out after Cesar's death and the Roman Republic was destroyed
- Octavian became ruler
A Vast Powerful Empire:
- Agustus was Rome's ablest emperor
- Agriculture was the most important industry
- About 90% of the people were engaged in farming
- Other food and items were gotten by trade
- Rome had a vast trading route that linked places like Persia and southern Russia
The Roman World:
- Romans honored strength over beauty, power more than grace, and usefulness more than elegance
- Most people lived in the countryside and worked on farms
- Slavery was a significant part of Rome
- Children born as slaves became slaves
- Honored Gods and Goddesses and had special rituals for them
- Government and religion went hand in hand
- Classes had little in common
- A majority of Rome barely had necessities for life and a majority of the city was unemployed
- The government tried to control their city by providing games, races, and mock battles
- During the time of Pax Romana, the practice of Christianity emerged
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